Mindset Over Age: Embracing Entrepreneurship at Any Stage of Life

The average age of a first-time entrepreneur is between 42 - 45. Many have lived their lives, raised their children, and had one or two careers before they take the leap and start their first business.

After working with a variety of entrepreneurs, I've observed that younger, first-time entrepreneurs often exhibit a greater propensity for embracing riskier ventures, whereas those over the age of 30 exhibits a more measured and calculated approach to their entrepreneurial endeavors. I often wonder: is this life experience or boldness?

While I have not found an answer to that question, one thing is clear: neither approach holds a distinct advantage in terms of success. I've witnessed both triumphs and setbacks stemming from these strategies. Ultimately, what emerged as the differentiating factor was the entrepreneur's mindset, unwavering determination, and dedicated efforts. I have seen successes and failures with both methods. In the end, what made the difference was the mindset, determination, and dedication of the entrepreneur.

When I embarked on my first business journey in my early 20s, the outcome proved to be a glaring lesson. The failure wasn't attributable to my age, but rather my own lack of motivation and commitment. Regrettably, I fell into the trap of complacency, lacking genuine passion for the endeavor. Joining forces with a friend, we ventured into the project with a casual mindset, simply testing the waters without a clear direction. Unsurprisingly, the result mirrored our approach – a lackluster venture that fizzled out.

Following this initial setback, my entrepreneurial journey unfolded with its share of ups and downs. Some ventures faced unfortunate endings, while others I deliberately abandoned, even while experiencing success. Yet, amid the assortment of experiences, I stuck to a few because I loved what I was doing.

With each fresh start, I gained not only insights into the mechanics of business but also a gained a deeper understanding of myself. More intriguingly, I began to understand the dynamics of those around me. Society often champions the idea of commencing a business later in life for reasons of "stability" and "ample capital," but beneath these well-intentioned phrases lies an undercurrent of apprehension. What they truly mean is, "I'd hesitate too if I were in your shoes."

Why are we waiting so long to start a business and live our dream lives? Is this the legacy we want to teach generations to come? Or do we want them to know that they don’t have to wait until they have lived their life to start the life they want to live?

For me, the answer is easy, I want to teach the next generation to take the leap earlier, and not be afraid of failure. Failures, when you are young, will help you become more successful when you are older, as long as you learn from them. My message is clear: start now, and cultivate stability in the present. Procrastination only robs you of precious time because the promise of tomorrow is never guaranteed.