4 Skills every Self-Made, Successful Woman Entrepreneur Needs to have by Dr. Vivian

When I was starting my career, I had no clue what I wanted to do.  I wanted to do everything and the thought of just one career made me uncomfortable.  I felt like a kid in an ice-cream shop who had to pick one flavor to eat everyday for the rest of my life.  The concept of doing anything everyday for the rest of my life sounded like a gilded prison. For example, I love carrot cake, but even eating that everyday forever sounds gross…and that doesn’t even involve much physical labor!

Then, there was the advice of, “try to remember what you loved to do as a child and find a career path that includes that activity.”  Well, I loved throwing rocks at moving cars. I’m pretty sure that there isn’t much money in that activity. On a serious note, if anyone reading this has a lead on a lucrative AND legal, rock throwing gig, please email me.

Rock throwing aside, I decided that I’m going to try everything that intellectually interested me and seemed sustainable.  Seemed like a respectable plan. Here are 4 skills I learned in the process.

1.   Don’t take no for an answer

Heads up – holding your nose and jumping into a new project is going to make waves.  Lots of them. Also, people who are already in your new field of choice hate waves. Don’t be discouraged by it.  Personally, I think “no” is part of the hazing process to get into a new field. I love hearing no. It means that I’m getting closer to what I really want – yes!

2.   Dream big, then dream bigger

This was a very annoying skill I learned.  There are so many times where I thought I was really thinking big, only to find that a lot was still left on the table.  This one still bites me in the ass sometimes. Not that I’m not grateful for everything, but this is one where a mentor is helpful.

3.   Do your homework

This is like the work equivalent of dating.  Learn everything there is to know about the new project.  Is this really something that will get me to jump out of bed before dawn in excitement?  Can I live off the income it will provide? Is this the best use of my time? Is it legal?  Do I like other people in the field? Am I helping the community? Does the lifestyle it requires fit in with who I am?

If any of the above answers are no, that’s where I cut bait and go back to the drawing board.

4.   Work like a dog

From my understanding, there are two kids of work ethic.  Those who work like a horse, meaning that they need someone to constantly push them to work hard – they aren’t doing it for themselves.  Then, there are those who work like a dog, relentless because they are hungry. If I can’t find my inner hunger, I don’t even bother moving forward.

These skills helped me refine my goals and helped create a career that I enjoy.

What worked for you?