The exciting world of entrepreneurship can be both exhilarating and challenging. Founders without exception possess a strong work ethic, resilience, and creativity, and learn from others who have already forged the path to success.
Many entrepreneurs look to the success stories of others for inspiration and guidance, as mentorship can be one of the greatest assets to a new founder. Here are three valuable lessons to be learned from those who have achieved great things in their fields.
Creativity is one of the hallmarks of entrepreneurship, and thinking outside the box is the only way to create ideas that will organically succeed. Sophia Amoruso, Founder of international clothing and accessories brand Nasty Gal, says that putting aside what everyone else is doing allows you to focus on your own internal sense of creativity. While following trends is important to a degree, to Amoruso, the most valuable indicator of the next big thing is in one's imagination. David Ogilvy, a successful advertising executive, also says that original thinkers stand out above all the rest.
Additionally, entrepreneurs cannot be afraid to fail. Failure is an inevitable part of being a founder, and it can be a valuable teacher. Oprah Winfrey overcame a difficult childhood and many career setbacks to create one of the most successful media empires in history, and Arianna Huffington believes that mastering fear and using it as a tool is another way to overcome the odds.
Lastly, it's essential to love what you do, no matter how intense the ups and downs may be. Steve Jobs, the Co-Founder of Apple, told Stanford News in 2005 that you've got to find what makes you happy – work fills such a large part of one's life that to truly be satisfied, your work must be fulfilling.
