Cognitive factors that influence entrepreneurial behavior, such as decisions to become an entrepreneur and remain an entrepreneur, have received considerable attention. However, we do not yet understand how changing life dynamics and cognitions influence entrepreneurial entry decisions among wage employees and entrepreneurial commitment among existing entrepreneurs. Research suggests that cognitions are crucial in how employees weigh and assess career alternatives. Similarly, cognitions impact the likelihood of success among existing entrepreneurs. Thus, this three-essay dissertation utilizes the Kaleidoscope Career Model (KCM), a framework that describes career shifts based on life priorities, to identify and examine the cognitive factors impacting entrepreneurial behavior, such as entrepreneurial entry, intentions, and commitment. Specifically, in the first essay, I address the cognitive factors that motivate employees to transition from wage work to entrepreneurship by conducting a systematic literature review. In doing so, I compare two major frameworks that explain entrepreneurial career transitions: the Push and Pull Model and the KCM. I, therefore, recommend the KCM as an alternate framework for understanding transitions into entrepreneurship. In the second essay, I investigate the relationship between KCM parameters and employees' entrepreneurial intentions through the mediating role of entrepreneurial identity aspiration. Finally, in the third essay, I adopt a theory elaboration approach to examine the relationship between entrepreneurs' identification with challenge and entrepreneurial commitment, mediated by entrepreneurial identity. These studies seek to advance research on entrepreneurial transitions and commitment through the KCM. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]