Let’s face it, the new economy is unpredictable. Jobs are no longer guaranteed, technology is rapidly changing and stakeholder expectations are increasing. And things aren’t going to get any easier. How do we ensure we are keeping up, moving up and enjoying it? Computer scientist, Alan Kay famously said, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”
In order to survive and succeed in this ever changing economy you must be entrepreneurial. I’m not suggesting you quit your job and start your own business. Not everyone can be a Steve Jobs or Richard Branson—in fact research suggests entrepreneurs have very unique characteristics. However, all of us have the capacity of thinking like one by applying some principles of entrepreneurial thinking.
Entrepreneurial thinking means:
- Having a clear and unshakeable purpose that you use as your compass
- Imagining new possibilities and solutions where no one else can
- Jumping on opportunities to learn and embrace failure as part of the process
According to Mitch Joel’s recent book, Ctrl Alt Delete: Reboot your business. Reboot your life. Your future depends on it, “the most valuable player on any corporate team… are adaptive, nimble, flexible and creative (in everything that they do).” In order to be recognized as a valuable part of your organization and have a fulfilling career you must learn to adapt with the increasing demands of the workplace.
Take control of your future because when you live a fulfilled life and start thinking like an entrepreneur “…work and play mesh so indistinguishably. Where both are pursued with a spirit of excellence, displaying at all times an unconquerable passion and imbibing an endless duty to love. Where every act is an expression of a deep sacred belief, the totality of which is acknowledged by others as the ‘mastery of life.”[i]
So, today:
- Stop dreaming, start doing
- Don’t ask why, ask why not
- Learn something new
- Be proactive, don’t be reactive
[i] http://startupeducation.wordpress.com/characteristics-of-an-entrepreneur/
Mishka Alarcon 