It turns out that running your own business isn't just about making money – it's a crash course in developing essential executive functioning skills. These cognitive abilities, often associated with effective leadership and decision-making, are cultivated and refined through the entrepreneurial journey. Being a young entrepreneur can help you level up your cognitive abilities, setting you on a path for success not just in business but in every aspect of your life. Here are just a few ways being a young entrepreneur helps develop your executive functioning skills:

Strategic Decision-Making

Every choice you make, from what game to play, to what image to post, to what to wear, is a decision. At WIT - Whatever It Takes, we talk about the WIT Tip, “It’s A Choice” a lot! Entrepreneurship takes decision-making to superhero levels. Managing your own business means strategic decisions on what to sell, how to market it, and where to allocate resources. It's like upgrading your decision-making skills to executive status – precise, quick, and always on point! Sometimes it can feel like you’re juggling a lot of responsibility, but Cash Daniels, teen entrepreneur and founder of Conservation Kid, doesn’t mind all the decisions he has to make, “I don’t want to just follow the “normal”, I want to be a leader and work towards my own dreams and not rely on someone else.”

Time Management Mastery

Think of entrepreneurship as the ultimate multitasking challenge. Running a business involves handling multiple tasks simultaneously – promoting your product, managing finances, and more. It's like navigating different levels of a video game, and mastering time management is the key to conquering each one. Becoming a time management maestro isn't just for business; it's a superpower that helps you ace school projects and crush personal goals.

Adaptability Alchemists

Have you ever had a plan that didn't quite work out? Welcome to the world of adaptability, where entrepreneurs are like alchemists turning setbacks into set-ups for something better. The business landscape changes fast, and being an entrepreneur means adapting to new challenges. The capacity to thrive in uncertain environments becomes a valuable asset. If you are able to navigate the unpredictable in both business and personal life - you won’t just survive, you will thrive! Teen entrepreneur, Nsoroma Karmue, founder of Melan Is Beautiful, has experienced setbacks, but she just adjusts because, “being an entrepreneur allows me to pursue my passions, make a positive impact, and have the freedom to shape my own path. Also it helps me continuously learn and grow where I can contribute to the world in my own unique way.” So bring on the uncertainty and the chances to evolve!

Entrepreneurship isn't just about making money; it's about unlocking your executive superpowers for life. Strategic decision-making, time management mastery, adaptability alchemy – these skills can become your secrets to success!