“But I’m really passionate about ‘X’! That’s why I do it!”
Your passion for your project will both motivate your first steps and later guide you through the inevitable hardships of entrepreneurial life.
But that’s not your WHY.
When beginning a new project or starting up a new business, it is essential to ask yourself what you are passionate about. “Do what you love, and the money will come!” We’ve all heard that old chestnut. Cliches exist because, you guessed it, there is some truth there.
Entrepreneurs with a passion behind their business can use it as starting fluid, but it’s not the fuel in the tank. Developing your WHY is the next step in maintaining that passion past the honeymoon phase.
Tammy Danan, a writer for Success Magazine, put it this way, “When building your business or really, anything, most people will tell you, ‘Never let that passion die!’ ‘Always remember why you started!’ ‘Always make sure that your love for what you do is burning bright!’
People will remind you repeatedly to keep pushing forward and to stay as dedicated as you were on day one. Of course, when you’re on the first few days of your project, you’re wildly motivated, as if nothing could go wrong. You know you’re strong enough and you believe that you can do it.
And you probably can.
But sometimes the reality is that you realize no matter how passionate you are, it doesn’t seem to be enough. When this realization hits you, what do you do?
Passion isn’t the only thing that pushed you to start on your project. There is strength and love and dedication and wisdom and grit. So many other things got you where you are today. In times when it feels like your passion is withering, don’t let it overshadow everything else that makes you powerful. Draw strength from your grit and wisdom and dedication. You are filled with potential.”
This is where a well-developed WHY swoops in to save the day. Your own personal superhero!
A new business is like a new relationship. It’s fun and fast-moving; there is nothing but passion and excitement. But unlike your favorite romantic comedy, the enthusiasm fades. What’s left in its place is the opportunity to dive deeper into a more intimate and lasting partnership.
If the only WHY behind your relationship is great sex and fancy dinners, the relationship usually dies. If you take the time to develop a strong WHY for being with your partner, the relationship grows, deepens, and can withstand hardship. It’s the same for your business or any other area of your life.
See you on the journey…
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PPPS – The July 10th Workshop is over but I may just be opening up one more workshop in August. Keep on the lookout for more details.
