10 Things That Set Entrepreneurs Apart From the 9-to-5 Crowd

Being an entrepreneur is similar to being a professional athlete, in
the sense that many people want to play the role, but very few have
what it takes to make it to the big leagues.

Related: 9 'Mindsets' You Need to Switch From Employee to Entrepreneur

It also takes a great deal more than just a pre-determined skill set
list to make it. Here are 10 things that set entrepreneurs apart from
the regular workforce.

1. Visualize success. Entrepreneurs are great at visualizing success,
due in part to pure drive and determination, along with the fact that
there are so many positive role models to draw inspiration from.
Entrepreneurs naturally believe that anything is possible. "Try not.
Do, or do not. There is no try," Yoda says.

2. Understands self-worth. Most individuals would consider their
savings account or the stock market their biggest investment. An
entrepreneur knows that they are their biggest investment and are not
afraid to reinvest in themselves.

3. Not afraid of competition. Entrepreneurs embrace competition. To be
the best, you need to compete with the best. Everyone remembers the
older kid in the neighborhood that played with the younger kids so he
could be the top dog. Where is he today? Probably waiting for 5
o'clock to roll around.

4. Hitting a plateau is not acceptable. A large percentage of the
population has set goals and they are satisfied when they reach them.
Making a certain amount of money or receiving a specific promotion at
work are some examples. An entrepreneur isn't satisfied on a plateau
and will constantly work hard to continue to grow in all aspects.

5. Willingness to learn. Successful entrepreneurs are not afraid to be
surrounded by individuals that are more successful than they are. Some
individuals might be overcome by jealousy and envy, but an
entrepreneur views it as an opportunity for priceless education. The
learning phase of entrepreneurship never ends, and class is always in
session.

Related: 50 Signs You Might Be an Entrepreneur

6. Will never quit. In situations where many will quit and face
failure, an entrepreneur will continue to accomplish the task he or
she set out to complete. Unexpected bumps in the road are challenges
that are accepted, and ultimately conquered. The word "quit" doesn't
exist in the entrepreneurial dictionary.

7. Accept nothing but perfection. Being involved with something that
has moderate success isn't acceptable for an entrepreneur. There isn't
a single entrepreneur that wakes up in the morning with the goal of
being linked to a moderately successful project.

8. 24/7 work ethic. When asked why I work so much, my response is
always the same: "Because I love it!" While many people turn on work
mode at 9 a.m. and then flip it off like a switch when 5 p.m. rolls
around, an entrepreneur is always focused on the big picture.
Entrepreneurs will do whatever it takes to reach specific goals and
milestones, even if that means working around the clock.

9. Oozing confidence. Have you ever tried to compliment someone, only
to have them reply with something along the lines of, "Thanks, but I'm
not that great"? Entrepreneurs are the complete opposite, as they ooze
confidence. If someone is telling me that my marketing agencydid
amazing work for their business, I am going to confidently agree with
them.

10. Absolutely fearless. An entrepreneur understands that there is an
element of risk in everything, whether it involves jumping out of a
plane or starting a new business. Without the what-if's and fear
getting in the way it allows for 100 percent focus on the task at
hand.

There is no on/off switch for entrepreneur mode. The most successful
entrepreneurs eat, breathe and live it around the clock.

What are some other things that set entrepreneurs apart? Name as many
as you can in the comments below.