Entrepreneurship is an exciting endeavor, yet a challenging one. Unlike a career, there’s no set path with entrepreneurship. Consequently, surprises and challenges are the norm. Studies show that although 11% of adult Indians engage in entrepreneurial initiatives, only 5% set up their own business. There’s a desire among a majority of people to venture into entrepreneurship, but the journey is not for the faint-hearted. 

Jigar Desai is the Founder and Principal of JD Consultants, based at Mumbai India. He has 20 + years of experience in the field and is an expert in global economy, global financial markets, global real estate, asset management, economy, wealth management, investments and financial planning.

The value of learning

Jigar manages investment portfolios and wealth management for many C-Suite level Executives, UHNI, HNI, retail, NRI and foreign citizens in India and overseas. So far this versatile entrepreneur has amassed massive accomplishments. He is a member of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, Gujarat, India. Jigar is also a Global Ambassador of Commonwealth Entrepreneur Club, London, UK. 

Jigar is an entrepreneur who has learned the value of learning, ethics, and a positive attitude. Like most successful entrepreneurs, he lives routinely by setting weekly, monthly, and long-term goals. Overall, the secret behind his entrepreneurship journey has always been to not be afraid of challenges. 

Overcoming challenges and obstacles

While many entrepreneurs stop short of their biggest breakthroughs, others go on to overcome obstacles and challenges, knowing that in doing so, they are growing each and every day. Jigar defines challenges as engaging in a competitive situation and aiming to come out as victorious, either by achieving goals or by learning lessons. He encourages people to constantly undertake a SWOT analysis in every situation to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. After that, he suggests working towards converting weaknesses into strengths and threats into opportunities.

Jigar also points out that the best way to overcome challenges is by becoming self-aware.  One needs to have self awareness or to know about personality in order to be a part of the solution. He goes on to say, “Where there is no challenge, then what is the objective of living? There won’t be joy of success in learning from failures.” 

Defining success

Jigar defines success as the status of having achieved and accomplished an aim or objective. Also, being satisfied with efforts you put in to achieve a goal, irrespective of the result. His mantras for success are: “Work while others are resting. Decide while others are procrastinating. Prepare while others are deciding. Plan while others are wishing. Listen while others are talking. Persist while others are quitting.”

As a self-made entrepreneur, Jigar has experienced the worst seasons. However, with a positive attitude and a peaceful mind, he has managed to come out of challenging situations. Jigar’s life experiences have taught him to never give up on his dreams and to never be afraid of learning.