Many college students aspire to achieve success at a young age.  Many seek financial stability and the feelings of accomplishment that follow. After all, you wouldn’t attend college without having future goals in mind. If you have not seen the show The Big Idea on CNBC, I highly recommend watching it. The show explores successful entrepreneurs' trials and tribulations. The show introduces you to individuals who have transformed an idea into a successful way of life. Most entrepreneurs on the show are over the age of 40. Many started their own business out of frustration with their traditional jobs. On average, it took about three years for them to reach their desired level of success. I often discuss the adult success stories with friends and peers. People show interest but are generally not very impressed.  They don’t find it extraordinary for a 40 year old to start a successful business. Then, I tell them about a 20 year old entrepreneur who made over one million dollars in two years. The same individuals explode with energy and inquisition.  For some reason, people validate older individuals success as “something that is supposed to happen.” When a young entrepreneur makes a substantial amount of money in the same amount of time, people burst with enthusiasm!

       I have learned many things through my personal encounters with older entrepreneurs. The most important piece of advice they always tell me is, “Don’t wait! Start young.”  All of them are over the age of 40 and they wish they started at 20.  Aside from age, you and I have another major advantage over them. We have the ability to adapt quickly. We were raised using new technology and were required to adapt with changing trends.  Business strategies and tactics are changing so quickly that many older generations cannot adapt. 99% of the time, a 40-year-old entrepreneur wishes he had the opportunities available to every 20 year old today. He or she realized later in life that success is not something that finds you. You find it! So, what are you waiting for? Are you waiting for a miserable corporate job to force you to start your own company? Certainly you are not waiting for the right opportunity!

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