They believe in themselves and this confidence gives them a different view toward risk than most people. Entrepreneurs take big risks but they don't take foolish risks. Some years ago I did a study testing the entrepreneurial characteristics of prison inmates. My hypothesis was that, since inmates were obvious risk takers, they would also be good entrepreneurs. The inmates did not score well as entrepreneurs because they did not understand how to take calculated risks.
Entrepreneurs study and test their ideas.
They do the appropriate market analysis. They talk to friends and colleagues and utilize focus groups. And when they have convinced themselves that they have a good idea, they take the calculated risk and forge ahead relentlessly. Entrepreneurs dream big dreams. Then they set goals to attain those dreams and they commit to a long-term involvement in starting and developing a business.