Don't Settle: Jim Rohn's Timeless Advice on Risk for Today's Entrepreneur
Delving into the entrepreneurial mindset: Lessons from Jim Rohn on why the path to significant achievement demands a departure from the familiar
every industry needs a leader
•
empower the leader in you
•
every industry needs a leader • empower the leader in you •
The path of an entrepreneur, particularly a creative one, is seldom a stroll down a well-trodden lane. It is a journey into uncharted territory, demanding a departure from the conventional. The late Jim Rohn, an influential entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker, encapsulated this sentiment perfectly: "If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary." This potent statement serves not just as a motivational aphorism, but as a fundamental truth for anyone aspiring to carve out a unique space in the business world.
The Entrepreneurial Imperative: Shunning the Ordinary
For you, as a creative entrepreneur, "the usual" might represent a traditional career path, conventional business models, or industry norms that stifle innovation. To "settle for the ordinary" is to accept a fate of blending in, of creating work that is predictable, safe, and ultimately, unmemorable. True entrepreneurial spirit, however, thrives on challenging this status quo. It involves the inherent risk of venturing into the unknown, whether that means launching a product category that doesn't yet exist, adopting a radical new marketing approach, or pioneering an untested service. Leadership in business echoes this; a leader who shies away from calculated risks, who clings to outdated methods for fear of failure, condemns their organization to stagnation. The extraordinary, by its very definition, lies beyond the confines of the usual.
Jim Rohn: A Life Beyond the Ordinary Path
Jim Rohn himself was a testament to his own philosophy. His early life was relatively conventional; born to an Idaho farming family, he eventually found himself working as a human resources manager for Sears. However, a pivotal encounter with entrepreneur Earl Shoaff ignited a desire for something more. Rohn took the risk of leaving his stable job to join Shoaff's direct selling business. This was a departure from the "usual." He experienced significant financial success, then setbacks, and ultimately rebuilt his fortune, not by retreating to safety, but by further embracing risk as a public speaker and business philosopher. His journey from a farm boy to a celebrated motivational speaker, influencing millions, was predicated on his willingness to continually step outside common vocational paths and risk forging his own. He didn't just preach risking the usual; he lived it, demonstrating that such risks, while not guaranteeing success, are prerequisites for achieving an extraordinary life and career.
Inspiration for Today's Creative Visionary
What, then, can you, a creative entrepreneur navigating the complexities of the modern market, glean from Rohn's enduring words?
First, embrace the discomfort that often accompanies true innovation. Your most groundbreaking ideas—the ones that feel a little audacious, perhaps even a bit frightening—are likely the ones that will differentiate you. "The usual" offers a sense of security, but it's a gilded cage for creativity.
Second, understand that risk is not synonymous with recklessness. Rohn advocated for personal development and continuous learning. Informed risk, backed by research, passion, and a clear vision, is distinct from a blind leap. Your willingness to risk should be coupled with a commitment to honing your craft and understanding your market.
Finally, let this quote serve as a filter for your decisions. When faced with a choice between a well-worn path and an unconventional one, ask yourself if the former leads to the "ordinary" you wish to avoid. Often, the path less traveled, though fraught with greater uncertainty, is the one that leads to truly distinctive and impactful creations. By daring to risk the usual, you give yourself the opportunity to achieve the extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on your industry and the world.
Information published to or by The Industry Leader will never constitute legal, financial or business advice of any kind, nor should it ever be misconstrued or relied on as such. For individualized support for yourself or your business, we strongly encourage you to seek appropriate counsel.
