The Entrepreneurial Spirit

What It Truly Means to Live for Your Passion

1. Live for Your Passion, Not for the Outside World
Many people think entrepreneurship is all about success and status. But true entrepreneurs know: success is merely a result, not the goal itself. You start a business because it’s in your blood, because it’s your passion. Without that inner drive, you simply won’t make it. Entrepreneurship is about following your heart, not proving something to others.

2. Think in Terms of Opportunities, Not Limitations
On the path to your goal, you will encounter countless naysayers. They try to warn you, protect you, or even scare you. Don’t let them bring you down. As an entrepreneur, you must simply ‘go for it’ and believe in your vision. Yes, it will be tough at times, but it’s precisely by working hard and sticking to your goal that you make a difference. Obstacles are just temporary challenges, not endpoints.

3. Trust Is Precious, But the Goal Is Worth It
After developing a student hostel on the outskirts of The Hague, I had a disappointing experience. I placed too much trust in a director who unfortunately swindled me. Fortunately, the court made a strong ruling in my favor, but it did knock me off balance for a while. Losing trust is painful, especially when you find out that people have stolen from you.
But I bounced back and went straight for my goal. I walked into a successful hostel and have now been working with brothers Dennis and Marcel for over a year and a half (see photo). This experience taught me: don’t give up and keep pushing forward. Not all people are the same, and perseverance can lead to surprising collaborations and successes.

4. Always Free, Yet Never Free
The feeling of independence and freedom is something every entrepreneur longs for. You work for yourself, not for anyone else. No one tells you what time to show up or when you can leave. That sense of freedom is priceless. But let’s be honest: entrepreneurship also means you are always ‘on.’ Yes, you can choose when you work, but you often end up working harder and at different times than most people. For many of us, though, this is the ideal way of life. After all, you only live once, so make sure you are living your life and not being lived by others.

5. An Indescribable Feeling
When a footballer scores, the stadium cheers. But who sees it when you, as an entrepreneur, reach a milestone? No one. That’s what makes the entrepreneurial spirit so unique and indescribable. The victories are often quiet, but the sense of fulfillment is immense. Those moments when you silently celebrate your successes—that’s what you live for as an entrepreneur. It’s that inner drive, that feeling that you matter, which makes entrepreneurship so powerful and meaningful.

6. Enjoy the Ride
Celebrate your successes. Enjoy them. This is something I haven’t done enough of myself, but I am making a point to do more of it. As entrepreneurs, we are often so focused on the next goal that we forget to take a moment and appreciate how far we’ve come. So, make sure to enjoy the ride and acknowledge your achievements.

7. Head Straight Toward Your Goal
Entrepreneurship is about heading straight toward your goal without being slowed down by setbacks. There will be times when you have to trust others, and sometimes that doesn’t go as planned. But don’t let that knock you off course. My experience with the hostel showed me that there is always a way forward, even after disappointments. Trust in your own path and keep moving. There are plenty of people willing to help you build your dream.

8. Not Everyone Is Meant to Be an Entrepreneur
Let’s be clear: if you’re not naturally an entrepreneur, don’t try to become one. Entrepreneurship isn’t something you can force. It requires passion, resilience, and a certain mindset that not everyone possesses. And that’s okay! It’s better to recognize where your strengths and passions truly lie than to pursue something that doesn’t align with who you are.

Final Thoughts
Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. It’s a rollercoaster full of highs and lows. It requires passion, perseverance, and a deep belief in yourself. But for those who have that spirit inside them, it’s the most incredible journey there is. So keep going, live for your entrepreneurial spirit, and let no one hold you back.

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