The Fishbowl Effect: What Entrepreneurs See That Others Miss

If you’ve been thinking about building something from the ground up and calling the shots, you may have wondered what it really means to be an entrepreneur. It’s a term that’s sometimes tossed around lightly, but entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business—it’s about problem-solving and seeing the world from a unique perspective.

What Is an Entrepreneur? At its core, an entrepreneur is someone who identifies a problem, sees an opportunity to solve it, and creates something new—a product, service, or platform—to address it. Entrepreneurs aren’t just business owners. They are visionaries who work to shift reality, not just for themselves but for others. As Myrra Kate explains in the fishbowl analogy, most people (and future customers) are “so deep in their problem that that’s the only thing they can see.” Entrepreneurs see both the “dirty bowl” and the way out. Their job is to help others become aware of their struggles and to design solutions.

What Do Entrepreneurs Really Do? Entrepreneurs are in the business of clarity. Much like looking at a fishbowl from the outside, they spot issues and possibilities that those inside can’t always see. Sometimes, this means crafting courses, building businesses, or launching products that help others solve a nagging problem. Ultimately, they’re guides, helping people realize what’s holding them back and leading them out of their constraints.

Entrepreneur vs. Small Business Owner While all entrepreneurs start businesses, not all business owners are entrepreneurs in the truest sense. Many small business owners follow established paths—a neighborhood café, a local shop. Entrepreneurs, however, are defined by their desire to innovate or disrupt. They are always searching for ways to create new value or change how things are done. If you’re constantly asking, “How can I make this better?” or “Why hasn’t this problem been solved?”—you’re thinking like an entrepreneur.

The Mindset of Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurs get comfortable with uncertainty. They know they’re speaking to people—customers, clients, or students—who might not even fully understand the challenges they’re facing yet. As Myrra Kate points out, it’s “very hard to create an online course for people who are basically not demanding a solution to their problem.” Entrepreneurs play both the detective and the advocate, bringing awareness to pain points and showing the path to a solution.

What Are the Pros of Being an Entrepreneur?

1. You See and Shape Reality Entrepreneurs step outside their “bowls” to see the big picture and can help others do the same. This unique perspective gives you the power to impact lives and industries.
2. Challenge and Continuous Growth You’ll never be bored—entrepreneurship is about learning, experimenting, and adapting. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
3. Creative Freedom Building your own venture means you get to decide the direction, mission, and products. Your business reflects your vision and passions.
4. Unlimited Earning Potential Unlike traditional jobs, there’s no cap on what you can earn. Your income is tied to the value you create and the scale you reach.
5. Making a Difference Entrepreneurs improve lives by solving problems—sometimes problems their customers didn’t realize they had. There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing you’ve shifted someone’s perspective and outcomes for the better.

Is Entrepreneurship for You? Stepping into entrepreneurship means being willing to observe, question, and help others find clarity. If you’re ready to see beyond your own “fishbowl” and help others do the same, entrepreneurship just might be your path. Embrace the challenge—and get ready to change more than just your own world.

Digital Startup Lifestyle curates expert voices to help Generation X entrepreneurs build freedom businesses.