Do You Have the Fire in the Belly?

My wife graduated in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. The other day I picked up her alumni magazine, Engage, to read an article touted on the cover entitled "Fire in the Belly". Although it was pretty much written to promote successful graduates, as it should be, HOW the alumni had succeeded really impressed me.

One stated that it's the willingness to take a risk that often characterizes an entrepreneur; "You're a gambler, marathoner, chameleon, and sea captain." Wow, what a combination, and very well put!

Some focused on "finding out what their customers hated", and removing that irritant. Netflix was cited as an example in eliminating late fees for movie rentals.

Another was in the reusable packaging sector, and found themselves shipping a good deal of cheese. But cleaning the pallets & containers was a chore, and one that no one wanted to do. So they decided to provide that service & found that the cheese producers regarded it "music to their ears".

Others made it their goal to run an organization without politics because life is too short. Imagine that, no agendas, or doing things just to please the wrong person. Easier said than done, but I admire the approach, and the irreverence, to challenge the same old way of doing things.

The common denominator that defined these successful entrepreneurs was the "fire in the belly" - the ability to live and breathe your business. There was also a supreme level of confidence along with a tolerance for challenges & change.

I find this very uplifting now, given what we're going through. It's very inspirational to witness this in our younger people, who sometimes can put us older folks to shame.

Do you still have the "fire in your belly?"