Becoming an entrepreneur is not for everyone. It is hard work that takes a lot of creativity, planning and maybe even a certain personality. Before opening up your own gym or fitness facility, it is good to evaluate every angle of the situation. This includes evaluating yourself. Are you cut out for becoming a fitness entrepreneur? Or are you better suited not starting your own business?

Neither one is greater or worse than the other, everyone is just wired differently. There is nothing wrong with not owning your own business. In fact, most people don’t. But there is immense value in objectively searching yourself to see if you should start your own business. It is not enough to just want to be your own boss or choose your own hours.

Not sure if you are fit for starting your own business endeavor? Check out this list of characteristics and skills often associated with successful entrepreneurs. See how many you have and how many you need to work on!

  • A Leader
  • Passionate
  • Comfortable Taking RisksOpen Your Own Business
  • Positive Attitude
  • Opportunistic
  • A Dreamer
  • Independent
  • Decisive
  • A Thinker
  • Persuasive
  • A Storyteller/Communicator
  • Able to Negotiate
  • Energetic
  • Creative
  • Resourceful
  • Balanced
  • Supported by Others

This is by no means an exhausted list. And not every entrepreneur is equipped with all of these skills. But this is a great place to start when trying to evaluate if you’re fit to be an entrepreneur. What skills do you possess now? What are ones that you can work on? What are more skills you’ve seen in other entrepreneurs? When you know these things, you make yourself more marketable because you know your strengths and your weaknesses.

Ryan Farrell started working with the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) in 2012. As NFPT's Marketing Coordinator, Ryan is responsible for aiding company reputation by building brand awareness and establishing strong working relationships among NFPT, its affiliates and industry partners.