The Importance of a Strong and Motivating Purpose in Starting and Building a New Business
Starting and building a new business is no small feat. It's a relentless journey filled with challenges and uncertainties. Having a strong and motivating purpose serves as a beacon of light, guiding you through the darkest and most uncertain times. This guiding principle is not just a reason to start but a fuel that keeps the fire of motivation burning even when you face fleeting distractions and enduring challenges.
Business as a Never-Ending Fight and Competition
Business is inherently a competitive arena that never ends. It's a relentless battle that goes on until the business is sold, until you retire, or until you lose interest. This tenacity requires a robust reason to persist, especially during lean times or when the rewards aren't immediately apparent. Often, the only thing keeping you going is the sheer strength of your purpose.
Rediscovering the 'Why' in Your Business
Rediscovering your ‘why’—the core purpose and value of your business—is akin to sharpening a laser cut to a razor's edge. This ‘why’ is more than just the reasons for starting a business; it's a consistent reminder that grounds you, energizes you, and focuses your efforts. It's your cause, your purpose, your motive, and your proof. Your ‘why’ is the fundamental belief in what you do.
The Seven Factors to Consider
Why Do We Lose the ‘Why’
The reasons you lose your ‘why’ are often buried beneath the daily tasks of nit-picky issues and mundane operations. Shiny objects may distract you, and fleeting desires might make you question your decisions. Over time, the spark that originally ignited your passion can fade. It's crucial to revisit and recharge your core reason for starting your business.
What's the Point Anyway
Sometimes, people stumble into their work, but the impetus that drives most of us to start a business is a spark—a moment of inspiration that turns a single idea into a dedicated journey. This ‘why’ is the fuel that ignited your entrepreneurial spirit.
Isn't It All Just About Money?
While money can be a motivator, it's rarely the sole or even primary reason for launching a business. For many, money represents security or freedom—freedom from debt, financial independence, or the ability to live as you choose. Your ‘why’ may be more about what you can achieve with the money than the money itself.
Can a ‘Why’ Be About Changing the World?
Many businesses exist not just to make a profit but to make a difference. Entrepreneurs aim to improve the world, solve problems, and introduce better ways of living. This ‘why’ fuels their passion and motivates them to make a lasting impact.
The ‘Why’ Is Stronger Than the Reasons to Quit
There are countless reasons to avoid starting a business, such as the risks of failure, financial uncertainties, or the potential for losing everything. However, those who do embark on this journey have a unique vision that overcomes these fears. This vision, this ‘why’ is the driving force that keeps them motivated, even when the journey gets tough.
Might the ‘Why’ Be About Passing It On to the Next Generation?
Some families pass down generations of similar professions, maintaining legacies that are deeply significant. But surpassing those legacies by starting and running a successful business can be an incredibly proud accomplishment, one that can be shared with future generations.
Why? Because I’ll Never Be Bored Again
For some, the sheer challenge of starting a business is enough to keep them motivated. The process of building a business from the ground up is full of excitement, requiring a diverse skill set and constant learning. This challenge is the fuel that keeps the journey interesting and engaging.
Ultimately, your ‘why’ is the bedrock of your business success. It's the thing that keeps you going when inspiration wanes, when challenges seem insurmountable, and when the path ahead is unclear. By continually revisiting and reaffirming your ‘why’, you can navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with purpose and passion.