Intelligent audacity

"You sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve."   

J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

"Hearing voices no one else can hear isn't a good sign, even in the wizarding world."

J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets

A few days ago, a good friend of mine shared his take on Moxie.  He agreed that energy, pep, determination, and perseverance were all part of the formula.  But to him, two more words belonged on the list.  Successful entrepreneurs, he said, demonstrate "intelligent audacity."

Intelligent audacity.

In Potter terms, a successful entrepreneur (often a wizard of a sort), having an abundance of nerve, will often believe that "anything's possible."  That's audacity.  But it is also vital for that entrepreneur to stay in touch with reality.  That's intelligent, obviously.  Because as Old Lodge Skins said in the movie Little Big Man, "Sometimes the Magic works.  Sometimes it doesn't."

So, as you prepare to startup your business, step back for a moment.  Is your plan audacious?  Probably, I would guess.  Is it also intelligent?  Or are you hearing voices no one else can hear?

Hmmmm.