“The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.” – Robert Green Ingersoll
In the world of entrepreneurship, willpower is the bedrock upon which empires are built. It’s the inner strength that fuels persistence in the face of adversity, allowing us to push forward when the odds seem stacked against us.
Howard Schultz’s vision was to bring the Italian café experience to the United States—a vision that was initially met with skepticism. Schultz faced numerous rejections from banks; at one point, he was turned down by 242 banks before finally securing the funding needed to grow Starbucks into the global brand it is today.
Willpower isn’t just about the physical acts of persistence and endurance; it’s about holding onto your vision with unwavering faith, even when faced with rejection and skepticism.
Action Step: Reflect on a challenge you’re currently facing in your business. Identify what aspects of the situation are within your control, and focus your energy there. Commit to one action you can take that aligns with your vision, regardless of external circumstances.
Cultivating willpower means building a reservoir of inner strength that you can draw upon during tough times. It involves setting clear goals, maintaining a positive attitude, and practicing discipline and perseverance daily.
Your ability to persevere, driven by a deep-seated will to succeed, is what will define your journey as an entrepreneur. It’s the quiet determination that keeps you working late into the night, refining your product, your pitch, or your vision for the future.
To learn more about cultivating an indomitable will, be sure to check out our book of the week: “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday.