Are there any similarities between the characteristics demanded of an entrepreneur and those of a professional athlete? Would an athlete be a good...

There are actually some similarities between the characteristics demanded of an entrepreneur and those of a professional athlete.

Both the athlete and entrepreneur must be individuals who understand the value of perseverance, endurance, and motivation. On the field, the professional athlete must be physically fit, self-disciplined, and resilient. Similarly, in the world of commerce, the entrepreneur must exhibit these same characteristics. Competition in both sports and commerce is extremely high: both athletes and entrepreneurs must...

There are actually some similarities between the characteristics demanded of an entrepreneur and those of a professional athlete.

Both the athlete and entrepreneur must be individuals who understand the value of perseverance, endurance, and motivation. On the field, the professional athlete must be physically fit, self-disciplined, and resilient. Similarly, in the world of commerce, the entrepreneur must exhibit these same characteristics. Competition in both sports and commerce is extremely high: both athletes and entrepreneurs must be willing to work harder than their competitors, and they must love what they do. 

Certainly, an athlete would be a good prospect for entrepreneurship because the characteristics that are necessary for success on the field are the same required in the field of commerce. Today, the most successful athletes are those who can retain their mental and emotional equilibrium in the face of setbacks and failures. Take Tom Brady, for instance. In February 2017, he guided the Patriots from a 25-point deficit to a decisive Superbowl victory. The secret to Tom's success is that he never gives up. 

The drive to succeed and the willingness to make sacrifices encapsulates the modus operandi of every successful athlete. Since these athletes also appreciate the meaning of teamwork, they are likely to make successful entrepreneurs. Below are two links that provide examples of professional athletes who went on to become famous entrepreneurs.

For example, Venus Williams (a world-renowned professional tennis player) has her own fashion line and is also the CEO of her own interior design firm. As if that is not enough, she has endorsement contracts with some of the largest companies in the world. Both Venus and her sister Serena are as successful on the tennis court as they are in the business world.

Venus has also written books about tennis and business. One of her most prominent books documenting how athletic success can be duplicated in the field of business is Come to Win: Business Leaders, Artists, Doctors, and Other Visionaries on How Sports Can Help You Top Your Profession.

Additionally, teamwork could be important in any entrepreneurial endeavor. An entrepreneur needs to be able to rely on his/her team to come up with effective solutions to problems. Also, a good team allows the entrepreneur to delegate responsibilities and projects with confidence. For more on how effective teamwork contributes to success, please refer to the link below.