Owning your own business can be challenging. There will always be obstacles that stand between you and your desired outcome. Without a clear understanding of why you want to own a business in the first place, it can be easy to get discouraged. Focus on your 'why' and use it to help you weather the highs and lows that come with owning your business.
Understand Your Why
Your why is your reason for pursuing a goal. It can help you find motivation even at your lowest moments. When you understand the reasons you are pursuing a goal, you will find it easier to maintain your focus and overcome setbacks.
Determining your why can help you find purpose in your actions. In an article for Forbes magazine Margie Warrell advocates for defining your purpose, stating, “The power of purpose is similar to the energy of light focused through a magnifying glass. Diffused light has little use, but when its energy is concentrated—as through a magnifying glass—that same light can set fire to paper. Focus its energy even more, as with a laser beam, and it has the power to cut through steel. Likewise, a clear sense of purpose enables you to focus your efforts on what matters most, compelling you to take risks and push forward regardless of the odds or obstacles.”
Questions to Help Define Your Why
When you are looking to define your why, think about what motivated you to get started. Your underlying reasons can help you stay motivated and focused when turbulent times hit. When you are trying to pinpoint your underlying motives, ask yourself the following questions:
1. What Are Your Passions?
Your passions should excite you and drive you to continue to reach your goals. Think about what makes you feel alive and driven, and then figure out how to incorporate that into your business.
2. How Can You Bring Value?
Our strengths can bring value to not only our lives, but the lives of others as well. Consider what your strengths are and how you can add value. Are you good at motivating others? Are you a math whiz that can easily do calculations in your head? Are you organized? Knowing your strengths can help you identify the ways you can bring value.
3. How Do You Want to Be Remembered?
When people think of you, what image do you want to come to mind? Identifying the way you want to be remembered can ensure that your why aligns with your current goals and actions. If the actions you are taking aren’t contributing to the way you want to be remembered, it may be time for a change.
Use Your Why To Your Advantage
Challenges and obstacles are bound to come up in your business from time to time. Once you understand your “why” you can use it to help you stay motivated and focused. Keep working towards your goals, and stay persistent at your business. Use your why to help you stay on track, even during the hard times.