There’s a certain boldness—some might say audacity—required to be an entrepreneur. It takes grit, resilience, and a healthy dose of fearlessness to navigate the countless hurdles that come with starting or growing a business. From self-doubt and criticism to financial constraints and unpredictable market shifts, the entrepreneurial journey is anything but smooth sailing.
Bringing a new idea, product, or service to life—especially one that shakes up the status quo—can be exhilarating, lonely, and downright exhausting. But let’s be honest: the world needs dreamers and doers. We need entrepreneurs from all walks of life to drive innovation, create economic opportunities, and push society forward. At Tact, our mission is to lighten the administrative load for entrepreneurs and unlock their financial potential so they can focus on what truly matters—building and growing their businesses.
At the start of 2025, I’d like to share three personal insights to help existing and aspiring entrepreneurs stay the course. Consider this a pep talk for “the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently.” – Steve Jobs, 1997.
Stay Persistent
Every major breakthrough in history has a common denominator: someone who refused to give up. Thomas Edison, famously credited with inventing the light bulb, endured 1,000 failed attempts before he finally struck gold—or rather, light. Without his persistence, we’d literally be in the dark!
And it’s not just Edison. Henry Ford, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Oprah Winfrey, and Elon Musk—household names now—each faced their fair share of setbacks. They were told “no,” suffered public failures, and, at times, questioned their own sanity. But they pressed on.
In our own communities, we see this same spirit in local entrepreneurs—the salon owner who started with a single chair, the restaurateur who survived economic downturns, the daycare provider who juggles compliance regulations and toddler tantrums. If you asked them, they’d tell you about the times they almost quit. But they didn’t. They found a way—just like Edison—to keep the lights on.
Stay Informed
The world moves fast—blink, and you might miss a game-changing innovation or a regulatory shift that impacts your business. Whether it’s new tax laws, AI breakthroughs, or geopolitical tensions, external forces can shape your entrepreneurial journey in unexpected ways.
That’s why staying informed is crucial. But let’s be real—information overload is a thing. The trick is curating your sources. Use trusted news websites, aggregator apps, and industry-specific reports to stay ahead of the curve without drowning in unnecessary noise.
At Tact, we believe accountants play a vital advisory role in helping entrepreneurs make sense of market changes, financial shifts, and regulatory updates. Staying connected with value-adding partners can ensure you’re not just reacting to change but proactively preparing for it.
Stay Dreamt
Yes, you read that right—stay dreamt.
Dreaming isn’t just a whimsical pastime; it’s an entrepreneurial power move. Practically speaking, getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep isn’t just good for your health—it boosts focus, productivity, and decision-making. Research backs this up: well-rested entrepreneurs are sharper, more creative, and better equipped to handle stress.
But dreaming isn’t just about sleep. It’s about giving yourself permission to step back, reflect, and imagine what’s next. Ask yourself, “What challenges and opportunities lie ahead?” or “Where do I want my business in five years?” These moments of introspection can spark innovation, solve problems, and refine your vision.
So whether you’re in deep REM sleep or daydreaming over your morning coffee—keep dreaming. Or in other words, stay dreamt.
Summary
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. But if you stay persistent, stay informed, and stay dreamt, you’ll not only survive—you’ll thrive. Here’s to a bold and brilliant 2025!
