Thinking as an employee no longer works if one is an entrepreneur. Depending on a salary, getting approval from bosses and colleagues are things of the past.

To move forward in a dog-eat-dog world, an entrepreneur relies on their self-belief. Get used to being uncomfortable. Never fear putting one’s name out, ignore what people say and don’t be afraid of failure or embarrassment.

Becoming a business owner, regardless of the type and size of the business, is a perilous journey and can be frightening. But, where there is risk, there is reward.

The ability to change the worker mentality to one with business visions will ensure success.

How must the mindset change to become a business owner or an entrepreneur? Here are seven key attitudes an entrepreneur should cultivate:

1. Having passion for the work

Entrepreneurs are passionate about their work. They bring in endless fuel and stamina that drives their business forward.

This energy helps to overcome challenges and injects the strength to continue pursuing their ambitions in the face of adversity.

Entrepreneurs think work is a hobby. To ensure the success of their business, they give 100% in dedication and focus.

They also understand that the purpose of starting a business is not just for money. Employees who earn their monthly salary just want to check the boxes of their to-do list. How well the employee does the work is not important.

But entrepreneurs will devote all their entire energy to their work. Those who can focus on the work that is important to them will succeed as an entrepreneur.

2. Being unafraid of failure or making mistakes

Making a mistake or failing in something is inevitable. If one cannot accept a mistake, how can one learn and grow or get fresh ideas?

Not accepting and learning from mistakes means one’s growth will be minimal. Keep in mind that to reach the expert level in any field there must be persistence and consistency.

Employees often feel slighted when reprimanded for getting something wrong. If they do not like the criticism, they resign or look for an alternative.

The ability to recover from a failure is an important characteristic of an entrepreneur. If a mistake has been made, do not get discouraged. Just get up and do better the next time.

What is important is what has been learnt from these experiences and how the lessons apply to future projects.

3. Creating value and solving problems

Entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to improve or do things better. They take ownership of their tasks.

Entrepreneurs know there are many obstacles to doing something valuable. They learn to take responsibility for their actions and find a way to work things out.

Entrepreneurs make sure every project they work on is successful despite the obstacles. They do not go around blaming, complaining and justifying. Instead, they spend time finding solutions to ensure all projects are successful.

4. Always in work mode

Running a business and ensuring that it is progressing well and smoothly requires a lot of work. Entrepreneurs realise that and are ready to put in the work to ensure daily progress.

Employees are often only interested in getting the job done so they can receive their monthly salary. Entrepreneurs invest a lot of time and effort in building up a business, oftentimes blurring the lines between work and family life.

Entrepreneurs will do anything to reach their goals. Even when business people go down, their mentality permits them to be versatile enough to get back up again and again.

5. Focus

Focus is the most important factor in achieving success as an entrepreneur.

The possibilities for success are many and that means there are plenty of opportunities, which can be distracting. The entrepreneur learns the ability to focus in order to maximise their resources.

6. Comfortable taking risks… calculated risks

Why do most employees not want to start a business? Often the answer is security. Their occupation provides that. Not having a pension, regular salary or medical coverage seems too risky.

The opposite is true for entrepreneurs. They flourish with risk. Risk provides rewards and this motivates them further.

7. Responsible and takes ownership of work

Entrepreneurs are amazingly responsible. If they do not bring in the expected result, they feel they have failed the company.

Most people like to just sit and relax and have a great time with friends and family, expecting money to fall into their laps while doing no work.

The reality of money does not work that way and entrepreneurs understand this – they need to work hard and be disciplined.

Conclusion

Entrepreneurship is a way of thinking. But an employee can learn to have an entrepreneur’s mind. Learn how to be proactive. Many business owners start as employees and learn the basics of doing business while striving to achieve their goals.

This article first appeared in MyPF. Follow MyPF to simplify and grow your personal finances on Facebook and Instagram.