Expand Your Mind: Entrepreneur Surprises
by Miki Saxon
Entrepreneurs come in all shapes, sizes and ages, but, contrary to the conclusions you might draw from media hype, most aren’t all that young.
“In every single year from 1996 to 2007, Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 had a higher rate of entrepreneurial activity than those aged 20-34.”
Another entrepreneur myth is that they all work 80 hour weeks and think of nothing but their company forsaking friends, family and any kind of balance. Yes, entrepreneurs work incredibly hard, but those who don’t want to burn out add balance to their lives knowing that they perform better when they take time to recharge their batteries—and some go to extreme lengths to unwind and recharge as described in this Forbes Personal Best segment. (Check it out, the videos are spectacular.)
What I’ve found over the past year is that some of the most successful men and women on the job, are just as successful outside of the office, living their lives to the fullest. They say it’s incredibly important to live a well-balanced life in order to keep their creativity fresh and focused.
What does a laid off 40 year old Manhattan real estate attorney have in common with a low caste Indian child?
Both got mad, both were unhappy with their world, both went against accepted norms and in doing so are changing their culture—although the Indian change is seismic, while the NY change is more on the silly level.
India: “I just believed that we all are equal human beings, so why do we have differences, as far as social status is concerned, economical status is concerned, social recognition and honor and respect?” (Think beauty contests, roller-skating and English classes.)
NY: “I was prepared to fail when I started this. Now people come up to me on the street and call me Cupcake Dude. Cupcake Dude! Are you kidding me?” (Think rum-soaked lime cake with mint white-chocolate ganache)
Image credit: MykReeve on flickr
