Chapter 1: Choice
Life is not a lottery. The ability to choose the way we respond to our circumstances is
fundamental to an entrepreneurial mindset. Choices, rather than circumstances, will
ultimately shape our lives. An entrepreneurial mindset empowers you to be mindful of
your choices, choosing the life you want rather than accepting life as it is.
Discussion Questions:
1. Which concept or quote from this chapter was most intriguing to you? Why?
2. How did Uncle Cleve exercise his power to choose?
3. Why is vision important to an entrepreneurial mindset? How does having a vision
influence our choices?
4. "The ability to choose the way we respond to our circumstances is perhaps the
greatest power we have." Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
Illustrate how choosing a response in your own life changed your
circumstances or led to your personal growth.
5. Who is your Uncle Cleve? Describe a successful person you know or someone in
your community. This could be a small business owner, an executive, a self-
employed professional, a professional services provider, or a high-growth
entrepreneur. Describe the person and how they managed to succeed.
What, if any, advantages did they have?
What challenges did they face?
What choices did they make that influenced their success?
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6. How might working side-by-side with someone who sees the world differently than
you do influence the way you see the world?
7. How do you define reacting and responding? Is the distinction important? Why or
why not?
8. Is challenging the assumptions we make about the world and ourselves important?
Why or why not?