Are you truly an entrepreneur—or just calling yourself one?
These timeless words have inspired leaders, innovators, and business builders for decades. Framed on my wall for 35 years, The Entrepreneur’s Creed remains one of the most powerful definitions of what it really means to step into risk, independence, and ownership.
The Entrepreneur’s Creed
I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man. It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.
At its heart, entrepreneurship is about:
- Choosing opportunity over security
- Taking calculated risks rather than waiting for guarantees
- Preferring the challenge of growth to the “stale calm” of the status quo
- Standing proud, independent, and unafraid
Entrepreneurs don’t wait for permission. They act. They build. They fail and succeed on their own terms.
Why This Matters Today
Nowadays, almost everyone calls themselves an “entrepreneur.” But the real test is simple:
- Do you take risks, or avoid them?
- Do you build your own opportunities, or wait for handouts?
- Do you stand on your results and creations with pride, or depend on others to define your path?
The Entrepreneur’s Heritage
As Thomas Paine’s words remind us, entrepreneurship is more than a career—it’s a mindset. It’s about freedom, responsibility, and the dignity of owning your actions.
So, ask yourself: how do you compare? Are you living as a true entrepreneur, or just wearing the title?