Abstract
The present conceptual article discusses
non-cognitive aspects of entrepreneurial learning. Entrepreneurs are known to
undergo extreme experience phases during establishing their firms where peak
experience, peak performance and flow counteract. As a result, increasing
anxiety and stress may hamper their performance. Non-cognitive skills that
consider simultaneously mental processes, emotions and spirit in connection
with the human neurophysiological system in a holistic, human learning process,
could appear more efficient in describing how entrepreneurial learning occurs
in stressful situations. In the present discussion somatic learning education
is suggested as a possibility to enhance entrepreneurial learning, creativity
and performance in stressful situations. As non-cognitive entrepreneurial
skills have been overlooked in the extant literature, the present discussion
initiates a discussion for further research in the field. The concepts of
holistic entrepreneurial learning, embodiment and somatic learning are
described while their relevance to stressful business start-upping and
entrepreneurial well-being is sought. The article concludes with relevant
research questions for further examination.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial education, Embodiment, Somatics, Peak
performance, Peak experience, Flow, Well-being, Stress regulation, Innovation, Creativity.