I don’t think this is helpful. There is no medical test for it being in your blood. This ends up being a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you quit, it wasn’t in your blood, if you succeed it was in your blood. Most entrepreneurs I’ve come across so far in SV have taken very little risk and come from rich, prestigious backgrounds. The ‘entrepreneurship porn’ of the amazing struggle tends to primarily be used to justify the huge disparity between employee and founder/vc equity. The “they deserve it” crowd, when in reality it’s just the structure of the power dynamic and has little to do with deserving.
Also quitting doesn't necessarily mean it's not in your blood, it just means that particular project didn't work out and you cut your losses so you could do another one.
Probably when you have to try NOT to do something...? Like at this point, I would have to try not to play guitar. Or try not to program and experiment with designs for systems software. But I am trying TO start a business as well. It doesn't come as naturally.
I like the idea of making money independently... and I actually DO like satisfying customers. But so far not enough to give it a real concerted effort. (I have a good job otherwise).
EDIT: Although I will admit I had to reach a certain level of competency at guitar and programming before I stopped needing to force myself to continue... you do have to sweat it out first. I think what YC is doing is good because they're providing the equivalent of free online guitar lessons... definitely better than nothing (for the motivated).
Even that test has limits though. Competive gamers all start off playing hours of video games a day, but playing competitively means sacrificing fun for grueling practice, formulaic tactics and very little experimentation; basically all the fun is sucked out of it.
Theres a moment in the show "Silicon valley" when a programmer looks at an Agile deliverables chart and says "This just became a job".
I think that would be the test. Can you endure the drudgery of daily grind and constant challenges and still want to go through with it? You won't know unless you try.
I think that works some but for me it has been messier than that. I think self reflection and friendly peer feedback helps. Also some personality assessments help. I have found that "Strengths Finder" has helped me in my career find a place that is satisfying and where I can be extremely competent. As a ADHD with Dyslexia I had to slog through the boredom of the growing my skills till I was competent in programming.
I also try to see if I am in the flow with hobbies or work, But being competent enough to be in the flow takes a lot of skills before you get there.
I have two girls that seem to understand well what their are meant to do both for hobbies and work. We practiced a lot of self-reflection with them when they were growing up and both have strong feedback loops with people they trust.
But it is messy. Maybe that is what we are meant to do. That is find out what we are meant to do. Kind-of meta.
> You are looking outside, and that is what you should most avoid right now. No one can advise or help you - no one. There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple "I must", then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your whole life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse.
I have known a few entrepreneurs and invariably they showed they were such by their behaviour, attitude and approach. They did not need someone to tell them or need to stop and ask "Am I an entrepreneur?", they just got on with being one. The same applies to a cartoonist, or comedian etc. Often in fact these people do it despite advice from competent people and even their loved ones. Advice like: "What, why give up your place at an ivy league university to go open a car wash, that is just crazy!".
