There are many reasons to be an entrepreneur. Owning a business can be joyful or a pain in the you-know-what. Chances are you’ll experience both ends of the spectrum at times. It’s not easy to grow a business, and in frustration, entrepreneurs decide to quit.

Entrepreneurship wasn’t taught while we were growing up, so there’s a lot you’ll only learn through experience. I started my first business at 19-years-old without any instruction or mentors. While the business quickly grew to $250,000. I didn’t understand how to manage the business and racked up $180,000 in debt during the 12-year run of the business.

It wasn’t a business I was passionate about, and I eventually walked away. My second business is what I love. I write, speak all over the world and consult with amazing people and companies. This business has also grown and has allowed me to pay off all the debt from the previous business.

I don’t love this business simply because of the money. It goes far beyond that. If you are in a business you love, chances are the money is just a by-product of a greater “why.” There are two main reasons why you wake up every day to do what you love doing.

Freedom

Freedom is the one thing each of us wants and needs. Freedom comes in many forms and can be the difference between truly living life or simply existing. Entrepreneurship provides many ways to be free. You get to set your schedule and spend your time each day on the things that are important to you.

I do realize that income provides financial freedom and that, in turn, reduces stress and worry. But, to experience freedom and have control is priceless. To be there for your family and still generate income is true success. To be in control of your destiny is something many strive for.

There are good days and bad days. There are great days financially, and days when you won’t make any money. It’s not always roses, and there are days when the stress can be unbearable. But when you think about the freedom you get to experience, it helps you get through the rough times. Strive for freedom in your business. Work on getting to the point of running the business without always having to be in the business.

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