“My product is great. My vision is sound. My team is amazing.” -Entrepreneur’s Creed
The good news is that there are no rules. You can do whatever it is you like, pursue whatever goals you desire and set your own definition of success. Other people will try to do this for you but there is nothing forcing you to listen to them. Well, other than your own insecurities which I suggest you politely tell to go to hell.
Starting a business is a great case study of these two characteristics of life. Anyone can start any kind of business whenever they want, setting whatever goal they desire. Unfortunately, most people who start a business run out of money, fail to acquire customers or simply not be able to get started in the first place. Reality kicks in and shows you that starting is easier than finishing and money does not come as easily as your dreams. Being an entrepreneur is a lonely pursuit because, in many ways, it is you against the world.
When you are starting a business you will inevitably talk to investors, all of whom will tell you that you will not succeed. Investors, of course, are paid skeptics and they are almost always correct because it is very unlikely you will succeed. However, clearly someone succeeds because there are many businesses in existence today and I would wager you work for one right now. So the question is not if you can succeed, but will you succeed or will it be the next person. Everyone will tell you it’s the next person.
The best defense against the harshness of reality is perseverance. Since the world is telling you that you will not succeed, you have to believe in your heart that you will. This is not denial because that belief you have in your heart is based in facts. You don’t just believe, you know. You have done your homework and designed a great product. You have studied your market and have a clear vision for the future. You have surrounded yourself with a great team that works well together.
Does that guarantee success? Of course not, but it ensures that you play the game as best you can. Even the best baseball players will only get a hit at 1 out of every 3 at bats but they approach the plate every time convinced that they can get a hit. That inner strength, born from perseverance and knowledge, is what gives you a chance to succeed. That chance is the most life will offer, so take it and use it as best you can.
So every morning, with complete conviction, repeat after me:
My product is great. My vision is sound. My team is amazing.
Sean On Life 
Nice link.
A few things:
1) While you are repeating the mantra above*, please understand that thousands of other entrepreneurs are saying *the exact same thing*. Investors and partners want to hear your enthusiasm and faith (if you do not have this, why should they?), but make sure to back up all three above with proof points. Clear, documented (not spoken), referenced and *short* proof points.
2) Not everyone will agree with you. In fact, the goal is not to make *everyone* believe, but to make *enough people* believe. The entrepreneur behind a recent BIG exit was only able to get one person to believe at first. Many, many others passed. Turns out: one was enough. Why am I saying this? Since when other people do not share your faith in your plan, instead of getting defensive and telling them they are idiots and are missing the “next big thing,” (Its incredible how many times I hear this.) politely ask them why, *take notes*, and see if they will connect you to someone else in their network who can also provide experienced insights and help you over the hurdles they mentioned. Very few people will believe in the value of your vision. But many people will be willing to help you and to connect you to people who might believe. The more respectful you are, the more you appreciate that, at this point, we are all guessing at what’s around the corner (and we respect you think we are wrong!), the more likely you will find the believers you need to succeed.
3) Note that the mantra does not include “idea.” Your idea has no value in and of itself. Start to build the solution and the team. If you do not know the difference between a “good idea” and a “workable solution”, then keep your day job.