5 minutes before my 2nd Leap of Faith workshop, my flip chart stand broke. My markers and flip chart paper fell in a heap. I had minutes to get ready.

That’s just one of the many things I’ve had to confront on my entrepreneurial journey. Unexpected twists and turns, and a really short time to respond. That’s why today’s post is all about being a “WIT” person – Whatever It Takes.

Movies and popular media make entrepreneurs out to be the next rockstars, they jet around in private planes, hang out at fancy parties and eat at the finest places. Everyone wants to fire their boss and start their own business – in the hope of joining this new elite. Except this isn’t ENTIRELY the truth. At least not in my experience when you are starting out.

I’ve carried heavy logistics up flights of stairs, cleaned out dirty rooms so I had a presentable place for my class – among other less glamorous things most people never associate with entrepreneurship. This is not counting the many times when I had to figure out unorthodox ways to solve problems I never expected, and work with people who were challenging and difficult.

My point is simply this - if you want to venture into entrepreneurship and create a life of your own choosing, you better be prepared to DO WHATEVER IT TAKES. It's not going to be easy, it's often not going to be pretty - and you had better be prepared to roll your sleeves up and get to work.

I find most entrepreneurs fail because they never expect this element of entrepreneurship. They think it’s like school where there's always an invisible safety net and someone to watch their back. "Surely this won't happen to me, right? It can't be that bad, right?" Well, it most certainly can. And sometimes, it’s far worse than you think!

Welcome to the real world!

It's this element of shock that cause many entrepreneurs to retreat into the safety of their cocoon. They never knew about this side of the world and it's so unlike the safety, comfort, and security they've been used to for so long. Some never venture out to take risks, others fold and go back to the safety of getting a job.

Yet, I find that there are those who, when confronted with the realities of the world, rise to the occasion and vow to get stronger, better and wiser. They seem to get tougher as things heat up and the temperature rises. And they are willing to do whatever it takes to get things done. As long as it's legal, ethical and moral - they will get it done - period. It's this trait that separates the true players from the wannabes. It's the ability to knuckle down when times get tough, and get on with it - and get it done. The ability to rise to the difficulty of the challenge and slay it like a dragon.

Here's the second part -- There is simply NO escaping this at all!

Even though we grow in knowledge, experience and technology every single day, the process of entrepreneurship and creating a better life is one filled with unpredictable twists and turns. You can try and insulate yourself with safeguards, technology, and information - but there will be those inescapable times when you just have to GET IT DONE! It ain't going to be pretty - but you just have to dig deep and see the job through till the end.

So the real question is - Are you prepared to do whatever it takes to succeed?

Give this question some real thought, because it will determine if you have the appetite for success and entrepreneurship. Not everyone is willing to go the extra mile, stare uncertainty in the face, and walk out into the unknown and figure the next step out as you go.

Only you can decide if this is for you. And if it is, know that the rewards fully justify the risks. Added financial gain, ability to make an impact, living life by your own choice, and directing your future without intervention from third-parties, these are only some of the benefits of owning your own business and running life on your terms.

It's your decision to make.

Visit Yana Fry Coaching page to find out more about Yana's work. 

_{This post was first published on Yana Fry blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.}

Did you enjoy this post? Please comment, like and share!