The most memorable lesson I ever received in this regard was during the negotiation of an investment in a high volume hog feedlot. They have a true understanding of the importance of cash flow. Ask any gathering of entrepreneurs whether they understand that cash is life and there will be nods all around. The best entrepreneurs equate cash with blood, and part with it only when it stands to directly further their objectives. They have internal loci of control.
True entrepreneurs take things personally.
When they succeed, they know that they deserved to. When they fail, they know that it was their fault. They don't make excuses for past shortcomings. They describe them as lessons learned. They don't look for places to pin blame.