Life is easier when we put a label on things, categorize activities and define personality types. When I was in corporate for many years I was the 'professional' type, coupled with formal, conservative dress code. I looked on in awe at the foot loose and fancy-free entrepreneur, living life on their terms. Being exactly who they are meant to be.
Entrepreneurs are a fascinating breed. We are not all cookie cutter formulas of Branson or Oprah (although I would love to get inside the formers head for just one day!). There is no one size fits all and the more diverse, unique and even eccentric the characteristics, the better.
So let's delve a little deeper and discover what kind of entrepreneur you are.
We are the average of the five people we spend most time with, says best-selling author Tim Ferris. Think about it, without realizing it, we mirror those close to us. And often this mirroring is because deep down this characteristic is within us too. The point here is that you have control over what you'd like more or less of. You can bring forth more of what you want to work and play with.
To do this it's helpful to understand your personality traits and how these play into your work. I'm talking more than describing yourself as kind, funny and loving here. I remember my first big interview, completing an in depth personality test and giving the answers 'I thought' were right. I've since got to know myself a bit better! A great tool for this is Now, Discover your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham.
When you have some clear objective feedback on yourself and what makes you tick, life and business, make more sense. It's like having your own roadmap with clear signposts along the way. Too sensitive? Empaths make great intuitive decisions and sense what others are feeling, even before they do. Introverted? Your great listening skills are so valuable in our fast paced society where many of us don't take the time to stop and really listen.
So you understand yourself better, now what? Stop swimming against the tide and give yourself a break. So many of us try to fit into moulds given to us, or that we adopted over the years. And often we do things just because 'we always have' or because that's what others expect of us. Change can be scary but not when it's stepping into a space you can call home. Where you can be yourself.
Coming from a place of alignment and genuine flow, that's what all the greats have in common. They don't fit any stereotype, or replicate a formula. As Steve Jobs puts it,
'Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently.'
It's hard not to sound too cliché here, but being authentic is what it comes down to. Authenticity only comes when you know what that means to you. So what is natural and easy to you? Check in and see how you align with your unique entrepreneurial style in everything you do.