Similarly, parenthood illustrates the understated importance of being a self-starter. Every morning, I have to feed my children and make sure their basic needs and a few of their not-so-basic needs are met. No one forces me to do what’s best for my children, and technically, it’s not something I have to do.
Sure, one could argue that as a mother, it is my responsibility to take care of my children. But in reality, no one can force me to do it. I must be intrinsically motivated to do it myself. We all know at least one example of someone whose parents showed us how optional parenthood is.
That intrinsic motivation makes a solid base for success as an entrepreneur. You have to be driven to develop, execute and maintain a successful business. Without a supervisor, there’s no one to force you into the tedious background tasks that we all hate — ahem, like doing taxes each spring.