It seems almost anywhere I go nowadays here in Kansas City, I am often asked about being an Entrepreneur. From my social rounds here in the city, more and more people have learned that Mr. Gray and I are being referred to as the “Internet Guys.”

Over the weekend when I was being asked about being an Entrepreneur, I decided to turn the tables a little bit and ask the man – “Why do you want to know?”

I wasn’t being rude. I let him know that I am asked this question countless times and I was genuinely interested in what he had to say as an answer.

He told me that the idea of being an Entrepreneur, the idea of “being his own boss” was exciting. The very thought of it made him happy. Which pretty much goes hand-in-hand with what a lot of people tell me these days about becoming an Entrepreneur. Sure, it’s interesting. Sure, a lot of money can be made. I think society in general gets a small depiction of the glamor of successful Entrepreneur’s and just assume – That’s the way it is.

When in all actuality, they couldn’t be further from the truth.

In all honesty, it’s hard as hell. It’s not easy. What you don’t hear much about is the countless hours of work. Relationships that crashed or suffered. Mental and physical breakdowns that sometimes occur. Stress overload. All that negative stuff. You just don’t see or hear much about it.

What I’ve seen countless times is that people get caught up in some type of “auru” or euphoric feeling thinking about financial independence, freedom from the rat race, luxury cars, vacations of what ever other materialist idea pops in there in head. When it’s time to get going though, people fold. They crumble. They quit. People focus way too much on the wrong thing and lose sight of what it really takes in becoming successful on their own. When I say successful, I’m literally referring to – putting food on their tables and roofs over their heads.

I got to tell you from creating 5 successful multi-million dollar + businesses over the last 6 years online, it’s not easy. Matter of fact, it’s not really that glamorous. I just love what I do. Which I think is KEY in becoming successful. If you don’t go to bed thinking about what you want to accomplish tomorrow and then wake up the next morning stoked to start your day, chances are, you just aren’t going to get the results you imagined. Any success is from hard work. Period.

I’ve seen countless “posers” try to convince themselves, family and friends that they are successful Entrepreneurs. I have a little face-to-face test I like to pull on these people that usually reveals that they are actually broke or at best, barely getting by. Why people do this? I have no idea. I think the idea of being a successful Entrepreneur is so powerful, people tend to get overwhelmed and analysis paralysis sets in.

It’s not easy being an Entrepreneur, and it’s not for everyone. However, media has painted this glory picture that people seem to ingrain into their minds and set off the “I’m going to be rich path.” If you want to be successful, consider first what you want to do and what you want to achieve. Focus all of your efforts on that, the fruits of all your labor will come.