Startup success: Is it all about commitment?
Success can be defined in many different ways, but the one thing we know for sure about success is that it is not accidental. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires long and hard work. In the end, it all comes to one thing: dedication and the ability to commit to the purpose of your startup.
Entrepreneurship requires hard work, many sacrifices, failures and setbacks. It’s a wild ride. It can’t be taken as a sprint: It is more like a marathon – you should be ready for the long race and prepared to speed up the pace when needed. And here comes the key role of commitment. Without a true commitment many entrepreneurs simply give up.
Commitment is essential
Many entrepreneurs fail in their startup ventures, unfortunately, because they don’t truly commit. The success of your business depends on your ability to dedicate all your efforts to the growth and success of your company. Commitment is essential and entrepreneurs must know if they are ready to truly commit: if not, better to slow down and rethink their venture.
Commitment is not just being interested
First time entrepreneurs must make a difference between being interested in something and being really committed and capable to make it happen. We all have specific interests and enjoy certain things, we all have great ideas, but just ideas don’t make a business successful – execution matters too. Interest fades away with the next obstacle, but commitment is what really remains and drives you to success.
Commitment and excellence
There are many types of commitment that an entrepreneur can experience during their startup venture: commitment to profit, commitment to achieving their goals, commitment to the product development, commitment to their vision and so on. Basically, every aspect of your startup needs a lot of attention and dedication. But do all entrepreneurs have to commit to excellence or just to sufficiency? It is a matter of personal preferences, vision and expectations. But why to settle for less when you can aim for more?
Many of the great thoughts on business and entrepreneurship are dedicated to the importance of commitment and here you can find some of the most inspirational ones.
“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes... but no plans.”-Peter F. Drucker
“Strategy is all about commitment. If what you're doing isn't irrevocable, then you don't have a strategy -- because anyone can do it... I've always wanted to treat life like I was an invading army and there was no turning back.”-Troy Tyler
“It takes a deep commitment to change and an even deeper commitment to grow."-Ralph Ellison
“If you make the unconditional commitment to reach your most important goals, if the strength of your decision is sufficient, you will find the way and the power to achieve your goals.”-Robert Conklin
"The relationship between commitment and doubt is by no means an antagonistic one. Commitment is healthiest when it is not without doubt but in spite of doubt." -Rollo May
"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." -Vince Lombardi