Bear Entrepreneurs
Have you ever heard the story of Timothy Treadwell? Affectionately known as the Grizzly Man, Treadwell once moved into the woods to live with bears. He believed in his heart that bears were not only intelligent, but were caring creatures just like humans.
Treadwell grew his hair long -- just like a bear.
He rolled in grass and mud and swam in streams to make himself smell -- just like a bear.
He lived in caves -- just like a bear.
To sum it up, he believed he had "gained their trust" and established a "relationship" with a bear family.
And a wonderful relationship it was... for a few summers.
Alas, in 2003 while camping with his girlfriend at the time, living with the bears caused the unimaginable to happen... the bears ate Treadwell and his girlfriend.
As you might imagine, everyone was horrified. Family and friends publicly exclaimed, "How could this happen? Why would bears do such a thing?"
Naturally, there were many theories. Here's the short answer: Because they're freaking bears!!!
Bears Will Be Bears
Every so often I will see someone dabbling with the idea of becoming an entrepreneur. They come here to Wealty Affiliate (or some other online venture, or even in the brick and mortar world), and they share their dream of owning their own company and being their own boss.
But then reality quickly sets in...
"What do you mean I have to invest money? It should be free."
"What do you mean I have to actually work? I built it, people should come."
"What do you mean it takes time? I should get a check this week."
And so on...
People like this are never successful because they just "should" all over themselves.
Now, why does this happen? Why would some people believe such a thing?
Here's the short answer: Because they're freaking bears!!!
Zebras don't change their stripes, weasels never fly, and bear entrepreneurs will always fail.
Being an entrepreneur requires a certain mindset. It requires a special kind of person who has never quite felt like they fit in. It requires the type of person that their biggest irritation in life is working for someone else -- particularly someone they just know they are smarter than.
In other words, it requires a person who is not willing to settle for anything less than complete success on their own terms, and who will never, ever, EVER stop until they get what they know belongs to them, no matter how long it takes.
At the end of the day, we can build walls that protect us, or we can build dreams that fulfill us. We can expect everything to be handed to us (because, you know, it "should"), or we can work our asses off, do whatever it takes, and make it happen.
Bottom line: we can make excuses, or we can make money.
So, where do you fit in? Are you a real entrepreneur, or are you just a bear?
Recent Comments
71
Hey, put 'em up, put 'em up! I'll fight you with one hand behind my back.... Wait a minute, that's a lion...
It's funny you mention feeling like you never quite fit in. That's my story. I've felt like that all my life. I realized a few years ago that I felt like that because I don't fit in. I'm okay with that these days.
I've been trying not to fall into being a bear. Thanks for this! I always read your post on here. They are worth my time, every time. Thank you.
I really enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I have suffered many setbacks as I started in January and have been chosen for the SAC challenge. I have to start all over and really work hard to catch up.
The one thing I can say for sure is that I am going to get there.
I will not quit.
Thanks Wayne
Like this post, wasn’t familiar with the story, but agree absolutely with your conclusion. BTW I consider myself to be a real entrepreneur.
Great article. I remember when the Treadwell incident happened and I thought the same way about the outcry. I was amazed that they were amazed that that could happen. Bears are wild animals driven solely by instinct. What did they expect? It has always annoyed me when people are shocked when obvious inevitabilities eventually happen.
If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough. (Words to live by)
To the point. Per your description, I am an entrepreneur!
Great post! And very true!
You've hit the nail on the head with this one!
One has to pay the price of success and do whatever it takes to build the dream and make it real!
Thank you for sharing your ideas!
Michael Inman
Yes, bears will be bears, and Treadwell, of all people, should have seen that. Me? I don't think I'm a bear. I think I'll be around for a while, working, working. What better thing do I have to do?
Yep, Fran, from our many discussions, I can tell you are most definitely NOT a bear... you're doing awesome :-)
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I agree that being in business for yourself can be one of the toughest things your do, but it is very rewarding. I've reached a point in my life where I have to I either live on the funds provided by the goverenment or I begin making money by helping others to improve their website traffic thruough the perchase of domain names.
As long as you don't give up you will make it :-)