Do you know the expression 'Catch 22'? Taken from the book of the same name written by Joseph Heller in 1961, this expression describes a host of situations that affect you daily without you don't really know. In sum, a catch 22 is the application of strict rules which prevent you from succeeding in all cases. The example used in the book to describe the phenomenon is magical and I transcribe you it here, in the original language:
"You mean there's a catch?"
'' Sure there's a catch '' Doc Daneeka replied. "Catch-22. Anyone who wants to get out of combat duty isn't really crazy."
There was only one catch and that was catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask. and as soon as he did, he would no. longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane, he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; But if he didn't want to, he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle.
Nifty, isn't it? If you fly in a bomber over Europe under enemy fire, you are crazy and should be exempted from the duty to drive. On the other hand, if you have requested to no longer fly, is you're not really crazy (since you realize the State of the situation) and you will be asked to continue to fly.
What is the link with entrepreneurship?
According to some, if you want a chance to succeed in business, we must have deep experience and complete prior to launch. On the other hand, be in a position to gain experience, to access positions reserved for managers seasoned already practicing the craft.
The chicken or the egg
The first thing that comes in mind when I hear this kind of comment is the chicken- and -egg conundrum. According to proponents of this mentality, new firms bloom magically with headed the field champions, who all tens of years of work behind the tie. When you think about it, it is completely absurd since someday, somewhere, someone had to be the first to experiment without that person did before him.
Okay, we are no longer in the stone age and start a new business selling retail is far from revolutionize the economics, I grant you that. On the other hand, everyday entrepreneurs revolutionize markets taking a risk in exploring the unknown. It is just a matter of planning and risk assessment.
Plan to better conquer
Steve Bezos is a larger than life man, a kind of mad genius who managed everything in his life. After graduating from Princeton, he finished at the top of the classification of his cohort. He has worked in related fields, but has not touched the sale online before founding Amazon.com in 1994. Yes, internet was here in 1994! His vision was clear: take advantage of the human tendency of being lazy. Shopping from home is incredibly easy and this is what explains the success of Amazon.com for 20 years already.
The lesson of Amazon.com is simple: take advantage of the opportunities and plan how to take advantage of these even if nobody has done the same thing before you. Perhaps you will never find as juicy as Bezos Lode, but you still have the opportunity to emulate his strategy. It comes to see outside the famous box and extrapolate solutions useful to society. Although it is difficult to envisage an as powerful as the Internet revolution, opportunities are presented to you every day. Whether it's the crypto currencies, the ageing of the population, renewable energies or even climate change, business opportunities are everywhere.
Out of the classical shackles
If despite everything I just wrote, you want to test strategies or refine your management skills without risking your money, solutions exist. Be creative and put yourself in a situation where failure is possible to learn from your mistakes. The error that I often see in people paralyzed by the inexperience is a visceral fear of being wrong. Personally, I love make mistakes. Once I stopped treat me myself all the names, I have learnt great lessons.
Why not establish a voluntary service for people in need? For example, to form a club of Board games and play with seniors. Introduce yourself to your local youth House and organize activities with them. Join a Board of Directors of non-profit organization and expand their service offering. At the limit, bang on the door of a successful entrepreneur and offer him your help for free! My examples are probably what there is less appealing to the world, but you understand the idea, get out of your comfort zone and go to adversity.
Now, you tell me that you do compliquerez you not life volunteer, is not it? Your current life is comfortable and anyway, you do not have the time. Unfortunately, if you think like that, you are destined to fail. Move into learning situation and learn is the most cost-effective you can do today to develop your entrepreneurial sense. Maybe the hours you invest today do you report not the cash equivalent to your current salary, but perhaps they will enable you to earn much more in the future.
In summary, if you aspire to become rich and powerful like Steve Bezos, analyze your current situation with humility. What is that you actually need to succeed? To each problematic element that you will present to me, I'll find you an awkward solution to adjust. Lack of experience is not a good excuse for not undertaking something new that has the potential to change your life. It is to believe and be ready to make the sacrifices.
Who told you that to start case was easy?
The final word
MOM, when I grow up, I want to be as badass as Kevin Vickers, Sergeant-at-arms weapon in the Canadian Parliament.
Next week: Illusion #2: being boss is the easiest job on Earth
