As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve experienced the thrilling highs and crushing lows of building a venture. Each time I’ve learned valuable (and sometimes painful) lessons. But one, in particular, stands out—a business that, despite its potential, never resonated. During this journey, while I was in London, I realized how crucial it is to align a venture with my personal ‘Why.’
The Misalignment
I launched a startup that seemed poised for success, driven by market trends and an exciting opportunity. At the beginning every day was exciting and new. But as time passed and as we adapted and pivoted to find product market fit, the company’s mission and purpose changed. It didn’t fit anymore. The work started to feel like a chore, not a passion. Making decisions became a draining burden rather than an energizing challenge.
The Impact
This misalignment took a heavy toll—not just on the business’s performance, but on my own well-being too. Without a genuine, heartfelt connection to the venture’s core purpose, my motivation fizzled out. The enthusiasm that had fuelled every late night and intense project was running out. The business struggled to gain traction. I wrestled with the emotional and mental strain of leading a company that didn’t reflect my authentic self. Over time, the team also lost their sense of purpose and felt deflated.
The Realization
I knew two founders that had recently exited their business. They could see I was struggling in the same way they had before they sold. They both sat me down one night and started asking questions that seemed simple but—suddenly—impossible to answer. “Why are you trying to make this business work?” “What is the purpose of you business?” “Why does it matter?”
They helped me to see what was missing. I didn’t have a profound, intrinsic connection to the business’s mission. This experience hammered home the truth: that success isn’t about market demand, traction, or KPIs; it’s also about building something that aligns with your core values and ignites your passions.
The Recalibration
Determined to realign my entrepreneurial path, I paused to rediscover my ‘Why.’ Through soul-searching and tools like the Entrepreneur Self-Portrait and the book “Design Your Life”, I gained clarity on what truly mattered to me. I started to understand how I could create value in a way that felt genuine and purposeful. This process was nothing short of transformative.
The Takeaway
Fellow entrepreneurs, my heartfelt advice is this: before jumping into a new venture, take the time to understand your personal ‘Why’. Get to know it inside and out.
Experimentation and user research are good ways to try on your business idea like a shirt or a new pair of shoes. Doesn’t fit well? No problem—move on. This alignment isn’t just a catalyst for success—it’s also a safeguard against the pitfalls of chasing opportunities that might seem exciting but leave you feeling empty inside.
A venture that resonates with your ‘Why’ is so much more than a successful business. It’s a manifestation of your truest, most authentic self. And that, my friends, is the key to a more fulfilling and impactful entrepreneurial journey.
We have a tool that will help. Check out the Entrepreneur Self Portrait, and start getting to know your “Why”.
