An entrepreneurial mindset can be described as a group of personal dispositions, also known as entrepreneurial spirit, which lead to the innovative practice of identifying and/or creating opportunities, then acting to manifest those opportunities in a productive way.

According to a recent study of self-made millionaires headed by Dr Barbara Walls at Chicago Business School, apparently 80 per cent of the tycoons attributed their success to possessing certain characteristic traits. The researchers conducting the study found that self-made millionaires had a number of character traits in common, and to which they accredited their business success.

In reality there is a thin line between the rich and the poor. I have read a lot of books and articles which bring to the fore the distinct differences between poor people and those who are financially well up. Robert Kiyosaki wrote a book which is arguably one of the most inspiring books ever written on entrepreneurship. This book is called Rich Dad, Poor dad. If you have not yet read this book, grab yourself a copy and immerse yourself in this inspiring literal piece. Iam sure once you finish you will never be the same person again. Some key characteristics identified, which drive the rich to keep making money are:

Discipline Your Thought-Process

• Thinking like an entrepreneur involves disciplining your mind and thought process. There are many people who think big, but very few who actually actualize their aspirations. This is where disciplining your mind comes into play. A disciplined mind will delay gratification and keep you focused on your goals. Most successful people are disciplined financially and this trait is responsible for their financial success.
• Entrepreneurs are careful about money. They always know how much money they have. They know the value and cost of things so they can recognize a real bargain.

Never Stop Learning

• Sir Richard Steele said , “reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” You may have heard the term “lifelong learning.” Though learning begins when we are children, education is truly a never-ending process—and reading is an important part of learning for everyone.
• Reading not only keeps us informed about the world around us, but also provides intellectual stimulation and helps keep us mentally sharp. Successful entrepreneurs read books and works of successful people to keep themselves motivated,. Books such as ‘ The Google Story’ and ‘ The Starbucks Experience’ provide very enlightening and inspiring reading.

Identify hidden Opportunities

• Have you heard an old adage, “the early bird gets the worm.” Entrepreneurs sleep and eat enough to maintain their energy levels but they don’t usually linger over non-productive tasks. They focus on important things that can bring value to their life and business.

Take calculated Risks

• Entrepreneurs trust their instincts and act on them. Risk taking can be small calculated steps, like placing your first ad in a mail-order publication. It may be investing in a stock.  An entrepreneur usually spread their risk by diversifying in different business sectors to cushion themselves against loss.

Be Innovative

• Entrepreneurs are always looking for business opportunities. They are always thinking of new ideas and new ways to make money or increase their business. They are not afraid to put these ideas to use. They study their environment and are always looking for lapses from existing service and businesses in order to create or fill the gap with a unique solution which makes people’s lives easier, happier and fulfilling.

Entrepreneurs are people like you and me, it is these and other distinctive characteristics that makes them look superior to us. I strongly believe anybody who wants to be rich can actualize this dream if he/she makes calculated plans to realize this desire.\

Napoleone Hill said ‘ desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire, which transcends everything.

To your Success!!!