If you’re an entrepreneur or an aspiring entrepreneur, you probably heard how important it is to have a “why”.
It’s important.
But I think sometimes, we get that a little mixed up, we often look at the obvious things, like money and financial freedom as the “why.” Because the money aspect usually translates into the “things” and “experiences” we want.
Obviously, generating revenue is the point of creating a business, but it doesn’t have to be the driving factor.
I’ve experienced this first hand. I had a business, I did the traditional business planning for securing a financial loan, as well as, the projections and marketing and advertising strategies. I also, on my own, was aware of my “why.” (I thought)
But heres the thing, I fell out of love with that business 2 years in. I was burnt out and the daily tasks of the business were not fulfilling. I felt the heavy obligation to keep pushing, that I was too far in now and crazy to give it all up. I had invested so much time, energy and money, I can’t go back now.
That feeling felt horrible. I was in a place in my life where, where what people thought of me mattered. I set out to start a business, to do things differently, to create more financial freedom and time freedom for myself.
I had to look at the price I was paying to get that though.
Was I willing to sell my soul for that?
I started looking at what I would have done different, if I had known better. And come to find out, I would not have started that business in the first place. It was a great business, just not for me.
It wasn’t that I was against business. I loved business and loved being an entrepreneur and a creator.
What I had got wrong was my real “why.”
Due to the burnt out and the confused state I found myself in, miserable, really. I started to pursue a path of Personal Development and Spiritual Growth. I thought at the time, that maybe, I just needed to fix my mindset and I’d fall back in love.
Something even better came from it. I had a lot of things that were “right”, it just simple wasn’t the right business for me. It just wasn’t aligned with who I was and what lit me up.
I was on a mission to find the things in my current business at the time, that did light me up and that I enjoyed, and then to gradually added new things that I discovered about myself on my path of self-awareness.
Overall, I discovered, I wanted to do meaningful work in the world. I could actually say, and even to this day, that my drive to for a purpose-driven business is more important to me than the financial gain.
I was after something that I wasn’t going to fall out of love with. I was after something I am in love with and always will be.
Long story short, I walked away from that first business I started and found what fit and aligned with my soul.
My “why” is soul-driven, My business is soul-driven, My intentions are soul-driven.
The point I want to make here, is there is no shortage of opportunities. Opportunity is everywhere, the question is, what opportunity fits the deep down part of you?
What lights you up?
What could you do all day long that doesn’t feel like work?
What impact do you want to have?
What would you still spend time doing even if you were rich?
What are your values and beliefs?
What are your core desired feelings?
Whether you are a veteran or an amateur in business or an aspiring entrepreneur, I urge you to explore these things. Get to know yourself. Don’t fool yourself. Forget about the money, for just a moment. Would it change the course of your plan?
Our life purpose comes down to wanting happiness and fulfillment. There are many ways in which we can achieve that, it’s identifying what things make you feel that way.
Often times, experiencing happiness and fulfillment has a lot more to do with what we can give than what we receive and sometimes, it’s the most simple pleasures that bring the most fulfillment.
Doing business has changed. Being an entrepreneur has maybe, even been redefined in the past decade.
20 years ago, it looked like black suits, briefcases, boardrooms and a lot disconnected marketing and advertising. You needed a shit ton on money and investors to get anything off the ground. Today, you can start with nothing, just a dream and your creative abilities.
Business is different and it’s going to continue to evolve in this direction.
Integrating your core values, beliefs, and desires into the way you plan to make a living, is the most intelligent thing you can do right now. It is the safest and strongest foundation.
Who are you? What are you going to do to set your soul on fire?
The money will follow.
#desiremap #enlightenedlifestyle