Nature vs. Nurture: Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?

In the much-heated debate on whether the entrepreneurial spirit is something someone is born with or more of a learned trait; many scholars, academics, business gurus, executives, and scientists all have differing responses. In fact, it seems as though it comes down to simple opinion. So, I will weigh in with my own opinion on the matter.

Without a doubt—at least in my mind—entrepreneurs are born and not made. Allow me to explain. Likened to the flight or fight psychological response innate to human beings, some of use or born risk takers, and others are not. Some of us rise to the occasion, and some of us run from confrontation. This is not to say that all entrepreneurs are extreme risk takers, in fact, it is much to the contrary. However, there is a certain thought process indicative to risk taking that is the cornerstone of all entrepreneurs.

Think about it, entrepreneurs put it all on the line. At some point in time, most entrepreneurs have risked everything in something they believe. Sometimes to their detriment and sometimes to success, but in any event, risk taking is involved. Now, I know what you’re thinking; what is so special about risk taking? Anyone can take risks; it doesn’t take a particular trait to jump into the deep end of the pool, right? Wrong! Again, we come back to the fight or flight method. There are those very content working for someone else, and taking the more secure, accepted path. The very thought of risking their well being, the well being of their family, or financial security is simply something they simply can not stomach. There is nothing wrong with this mentality. However, there are those that see things differently. They are not content with the status quo, and they are not very found of rules. They are willing to risk it all based on a dream or an idea. Again, this doesn’t make them “special” it just makes them different.

That being said, what is the difference between successful entrepreneurs and unsuccessful entrepreneurs? The incredible willingness to get back on the horse and risk it all time and time again: being one that has had the good fortune of meeting some very successful entrepreneurs in my time, almost all share one common theme, their dreams and ideas have failed. Some have failed many times over, but that never stopped them from getting back up, dusting themselves off, and jumping into the game again. Even those that have lost everything, their homes, their cars, their personal belongs, they have even filed bankruptcy a few times, but again and again they keep pursuing their ideas and dreams. Not many can say that. Most will attempt to try what they learned from a seminar or while attending graduate school at some prestigious university, but once they fail on their first attempt, they give up, say it is not for them, and return to the life of security that most people prefer. It is certainly less stressful this way.

The elements that make up a successful entrepreneur are quite simple; (a) they must be willing to take risks, informed risks, but still risks, (b) they must be willing to accept failure no matter the cost (I’m not referring to money), (c) they must be tenacious about their ideas, never wavering and remaining steadfast, (d) they must have an incredible work ethic, and (e) they must have some good luck!

For entrepreneurs, it is about an idea, about innovation, about taking risks, about being different and challenging the norms; it is about pursuing ones dreams, and a willingness to be the one to take the last shot in the game knowing full well that they might miss. The difference is entrepreneurs would rather be taking the shot, than watching someone else take it. Being a golfer I like to put it this way, putts that fail to reach the hole miss 100% of time.

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