Gus pointed me to a post about Entrepreneurial Proverbs and in one of the comments that was a link to a really good article that resonated with me: Top Signals of Success for Software Entrepeneurs from OnStartups.com. It is a list of 15 traits that successful software entrepreneurs share. Now I think its healthy to start with a bit of self-critique

Sometimes I get stuck with #8: “You have a proclivity for action.” Though I’ve found what works for me is to shift my mindset at least once a day into “Project Manager mode”. In this mode, I make plans for what I’m going to do next and try to plan it out to the next release, work backwards, and prioritize. Its sort of a Getting Things Done for Indies. Then I switch back to Programmer Mode and crank away. Only problem is sometimes I forget to go into Manager mode so now I try to keep a printed copy of the plan in front of me to remind me.

On to some of the good points: #5 (You are an artist): I do love delighting my audience and continually improving. #14 (You work hard): I can’t stand delivering the minimum. #15 (You just love the game): I think living The Life is one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever volunteered for. And that makes life really exciting.

I’d probably add a 16th trait: You feel like this is what you should be doing. Some sort of deep-seated conviction. In my much smaller sample of successful software entrepreneurs, I’ve noticed this. They believe that what they’re doing is essential, that people really need what they’re building, and that’s why they’re working so hard to get it out to everyone.