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Millions of people have invested their time, thoughts, and their finances into an enterprise they think is viable– but so few actually manage to succeed. Startups are prone to failure and business dreams are left in tatters.

Have you ever wondered why this is? Is it always a case of bad ideas, or is there something else at play? Could it be that some people just aren’t cut out for the entrepreneur life?

If you have long harbored a desire to go into business for yourself, this is a question you’re going to have to investigate. Business is, on some levels, very accessible; if you have an idea and can secure the right funding, surely it’s relatively simple to start a business. This does not mean, however, that becoming an entrepreneur is easy or that the life of an entrepreneur is one that you’re going to find enjoyable.

The hard truth

The uncomfortable truth is that the answer to the titular question is simple: no, entrepreneurship is not for everyone. Starting, maintaining and ultimately growing a business is not a route in life that everyone can take. It may be accessible to try, but that accessibility doesn’t translate into success.

If you’re planning on starting a business in the future, you’ll want to have the following qualities– the qualities that are essential to a successful career as an entrepreneur. Ask yourself a few questions, taking care to be very honest with your answers…

Are you willing to keep learning?

A person with a desire to learn, and a thirst for knowledge, makes a good entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs cannot ever be tempted to think that they know everything, or that they don’t need any outside help.

A good entrepreneur knows when she needs help, perhaps getting it by seeking a mentor. A good entrepreneur also know when to seek more education, even going as far as making the decision to study business accounting to ensure they know their way through the crucial facts and figures. If you are confident that you’re willing to continue the learning process throughout your career, it will stand you in good stead.

Are you patient?

An impatient entrepreneur is an entrepreneur who will make mistakes, rush decisions and fail to consider the full implications of their actions. While you may be keen to begin the road to your business success, you have to know when to put the brakes on, and make each decision one step at a time.

Are you energized?

A good entrepreneur is never short of energy when it comes to her business. They know what they want to achieve, and they’re willing to put in the hard work to get to that point.

You have to be truly energized and committed to your business to even stand a chance of defying the dismal startup statistics.

So can ‘anyone’ be an entrepreneur?

No, it takes a certain kind of person to make entrepreneurship work. If you think you fit the qualities above, then chances are, you have what it takes.