What Can Entrepreneurs Learn From Confucius?

The teachings of Confucius have endured for centuries and remain influential in the thought and lives of many Asian people and other cultures around the world. Confucius was a philosopher who emphasised personal and government morality, justice, sincerity and virtuousness. I wonder what relevance the words of Confucius have to entrepreneurs in today's world of immediate gratification, liberal morals and values and access to endless streams of information? Here is some of what Confucius had to say.

1. "It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop". We live in a world of speed and instant access, yet it is common for entrepreneurs to have minimal business success, on average 17 times, before they reach the pinnacle of success. It really does not matter how long it takes, what matters is getting there in the end.

2. "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do". These words have been repeated by leaders throughout time, recently with a little variation by Sir Winston Churchill who said "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." Hmmm, the power of great philosophy is that it never changes. Such good advice for any entrepreneur.

3. "What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others." Looking inside yourself to find the strength and conviction necessary to achieve anything that you want is the foundation of modern personal development programs. Today, this philosophy is couched in such terms as "lead from the front" or "be the change that you want to see" and "the only person that you can motivate is yourself".

4. "Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart." Today's philosophers and guru's talk about finding your passion, having a burning desire or 100% commitment, they could just as easily say "go for it, with all of your heart".

5. "They must often change who would be constant in happiness or wisdom." And the baby boomers have thought that they had the premium on change with frequent comments that they are change weary or have endured too much change in their lives. Linking change to happiness and wisdom is a concept not often heard; yet any entrepreneur is likely to be living this reality. Others might choose to live a life with less fulfillment rather than face the change required to do something different. The idea of seeking wisdom and happiness through change is exciting and one of Confucius' philosophies to be embraced.

6. "Things that are done, it is needless to speak about...things that are past, it is needless to blame." You attract what you focus on and if you focus on past hurts or injustices then you will get more of the same. Blame is a negative emotion and if you focus on blame you will attract negativity. Instead, use what you do not want to get focused on what you do want for your future and speak about that.

7. "Without an acquaintance with the rules of propriety, it is impossible for the character to be established." If you want to be successful, be in the acquaintance of successful people. If you want to be a millionaire associate with millionaires. You will learn much in the company of others and even more if you carefully select your role models.

Thousands of years ago or 2009? It seems that the philosophical teachings remain the same and entrepreneurs can continue to look to the Masters of every generation to learn and develop their own unique way of viewing the world and achieve success.

How do you embrace change and maintain 100% commitment to your business, even when the going is tough?

How are you using the present moment to prepare for your future?