5 lesser known reasons why entrepreneurship will make you happy

Almost always starting a business or owning or managing a business is perceived as a highly stressful occupation. We wouldn’t want to dispute it by any means but there’s proof that entrepreneurs are also among the happiest people in the world.

Don’t take our word for it. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2013 Global Report, entrepreneurs are among the happiest individuals across the globe when it comes to individual well-being and satisfaction with their work conditions. The report said that entrepreneurs worldwide – at both the established and early-stage phases – exhibited higher ratings on subjective well-being compared to those not involved in entrepreneurship activities, suggesting that entrepreneurship could be a good career choice for most.

Here are five traits all entrepreneurs share – most of these also contribute to their success – which make them some of the happiest people in the world.

1. Entrepreneurs do what they love

How often do we hear our friends whining about their job, lousy boss or terrible workplace? Well, don’t blame them. There are surveys which show that almost 80% of workforce worldwide hates their jobs. But entrepreneurs are not among them. In fact, many of them got an extra push to startup on their own because they were earlier in a job they disliked. Every entrepreneur who starts a business, owns or manages one, is in love with his or her job. They are passionate about the startup, and are committed to nurture it as if it’s their baby. As we spend a great deal of our life working, if we love what we do at work even if other things in life aren’t all that great, we are happy.

2. Entrepreneurs are constant learners

It is the nature of an entrepreneur to learn, constantly, continuously. There are no two ways about it. Each CEO has to be personally responsible for seeking out and committing to professional development. They keep up to date with the latest in their industry, are determined to learn about everything around it. Every day entrepreneurs are confronted with new situations that require constantly innovative approaches. Apart from professional growth, entrepreneurs also grow and evolve as they learn to tackle on crisis after another and keep themselves on their toes. The ability to learn, self-study, and apply new concepts is part of the human experience.

3. Entrepreneurs are busy problem-solvers

Entrepreneurs startup with an idea that tackles a key pain-point. So problem-solving is at the core of entrepreneurship. Everyday they have a new problem or two to grapple with, so they have no time to brood over setbacks or wallow in self-pity. As soon as they face a challenge, they have to think on their feet and get busy finding a solution. The obstacles they face are so many that they just learn to trust their gut instincts and march on. They have no time to waste worrying or in idle talk. They have very less trivial chit-chat or gossip as there is almost always a fire to douse. Entrepreneurs are indeed the blessed few who have time to delve only into what makes their hearts swell.

4. Entrepreneurs are resilient

What’s the opposite of depression? Not happiness but it is resilience, according to psychologist Peter Kramer. Psychologists use the word resilience to describe this ability to bounce back from adversity. Someone has to take a chance. Someone has to care enough to take risks, spend time, effort and money on something new. Entrepreneurs are those bravehearts who do. We all know human beings can survive all kinds of situations, the ones who survive are those who are resilient.

When someone chooses to be an entrepreneur, he is prepared, at least to an extent, to face many challenges. He is an optimist, who can see the silver lining in most situations. Optimism touts plenty of health benefits, including less stress, a better tolerance for pain and, even longevity among those with heart disease. Confronted by a bad situation, successful entrepreneurs perceive it as a challenge and try harder.

5. Entrepreneurs are focused 

Psychologists have long since studied how when you’re immersed in an activity that is simultaneously challenging, invigorating and meaningful, you experience a joyful state. You get into what is called “flow.” Entrepreneurs are almost always completely engrossed in their startup, and get “caught up” or “carried away” by their ideas. They are so focused in making their business work that this reduces self-consciousness and promotes the feelings of joy. According to Pursuit-of-happiness.org, “In order for a “flow” state to occur, you must see the activity as voluntary, enjoyable (intrinsically motivating), and it must require skill and be challenging (but not too challenging) with clear goals towards success” – all of which are perfect descriptions of what an entrepreneur does.

Do you agree with these 5 reasons that make entrepreneurs happier people? Tell us in the comments below.

Also read: Mastering the Science of Happiness: Why Entrepreneurs Have An Unfair Advantage