|
Osnaživanje, stil i inspiracija spajaju se u svakom izdanju našeg magazina.
|
December 19, 2025
Why Do Most Startups Fail? Do you know why most startups shut down? It’s not because of a bad business idea, a weak marketing plan, or a lack of funding — it’s the human factor. What truly breaks entrepreneurs at the very beginning are psychological burnout, fear of failure, the inability to cope with pressure, and loss of motivation.
Can you really handle that?
If you’re not sure, it may be time to turn to the Entrepreneurship Psychological Readiness (EPR) instrument — a specialized assessment designed to answer one key question: are you psychologically ready to run your own business?
The Psychological Readiness for Entrepreneurship (EPR) instrument is what psychology defines as a validated questionnaire. It is designed to assess an individual’s mental and emotional readiness to enter entrepreneurship.
It identifies key personal factors such as knowledge, passion, resilience to adversity, a growth mindset, and social support. The questionnaire is typically based on a Likert scale, meaning respondents indicate the degree to which they agree or disagree with specific statements.
The EPR test is designed to cover several core psychological dimensions that research has shown to be strongly linked to entrepreneurial success. Most commonly, it aims to quantify:
1. Tolerance for Uncertainty
The ability to function and make decisions without guaranteed outcomes, stable income, or clearly defined rules.
2. Resilience
How an individual copes with failure, rejection, financial pressure, and stress.
3. Self-Confidence and Personal Efficacy
The belief that one can influence outcomes through their own actions (self-efficacy).
4. Motivation for Autonomy
The need for independence, freedom of decision-making, and personal responsibility.
5. Proactivity and Initiative
A tendency to take action without relying on external prompts.
6. Stress Management and Emotional Regulation
The ability to prevent emotions from taking control in high-pressure situations.
Participants are presented with a structured questionnaire consisting of approximately 60 items. The test uses a Likert scale — typically ranging from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree — to evaluate statements describing entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviors.
Once completed (there is no time limit), the responses are analyzed by researchers using scientific methods such as factor analysis to determine two key things:
first, whether the instrument itself is valid, and second, whether the respondent demonstrates traits associated with successful entrepreneurship.
The test will not tell you directly whether you should or should not become an entrepreneur. Instead, it highlights your strengths, identifies potential vulnerabilities, and shows which areas may require further development — helping you enter the business world better prepared and more self-aware.
In Serbia, validated EPR assessments are conducted exclusively at universities, specifically within psychology departments, and only as part of academic research — not as commercial services.
That said, this does not mean you cannot assess your readiness for entrepreneurship. Various psychometric tests are available through university career development centers in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš, although access is typically limited to students and postgraduate participants.
If you do not fall into that category, the most reliable way to obtain an individual assessment of your entrepreneurial readiness is to consult an occupational or organizational psychologist. By using validated psychological scales, they can help you gain meaningful insight into whether you are prepared for the psychological demands of running your own business.
DISCLAIMER:
This questionnaire was created with the assistance of AI tools and is not a substitute for a validated psychological assessment. It is intended for informational purposes and personal self-reflection only. It does not constitute a psychological diagnosis, professional evaluation, or a guarantee of business success. Results should be used solely as guidance for personal insight and development, not as the basis for major business or financial decisions without additional professional consultation.
Instructions
For each statement below, select the option that best reflects how strongly you agree with it.
1 – Strongly disagree
2 – Mostly disagree
3 – Neither agree nor disagree
4 – Mostly agree
5 – Strongly agree
Write down your points and calculate the total at the end. The total score represents your test result. This is not a pass/fail test — your score does not determine whether you are “fit” or “unfit” for entrepreneurship. Its purpose is to reveal potential strengths and areas for growth.
Questionnaire: How Ready Are You to Develop Your Own Business?
Self-Confidence and Personal Efficacy
I believe I can learn everything necessary to run a small business.
When I encounter a problem, I believe I can find a solution.
I view failure as a learning experience rather than a personal defeat.
Motivation
I clearly understand why I want to start or grow my own business.
My motivation does not depend solely on external circumstances or support.
I am willing to invest time and energy even when results are not immediate.
Resilience and Coping with Pressure
I am able to move forward even when things don’t go as planned.
I can function in situations of uncertainty and increased stress.
I see criticism and feedback as opportunities for growth.
Attitude Toward Risk and Uncertainty
I am aware that entrepreneurship involves uncertainty and can accept that.
I don’t need all the answers upfront to take the first step.
I am willing to make decisions even without full control over outcomes.
Proactivity and Responsibility
I take initiative instead of waiting for the “right moment.”
I am willing to take responsibility for my decisions.
I can organize my time and set priorities effectively.
Support and Development
I know whom I can turn to for advice or support.
I am comfortable asking for help when I need it.
I believe I don’t have to do everything on my own.
Growth Mindset
I believe skills and confidence are developed through experience.
I see mistakes as part of growth, not as proof that “this isn’t for me.”
Results
The total score provides a general picture of your psychological readiness.
80–100 points
You demonstrate high psychological readiness to develop a small business.
60–79 points
You have a solid foundation, with several areas worth further development.
Below 60 points
Additional support, education, or mentorship is recommended before taking major business steps.
