What is the reason you went (or want to go) into business for yourself?
The obvious and most superficial answer is to make money and for many people, to also be their own boss. And chances are, you’ve already taken this question a bit deeper by coming up with what’s behind the money and being your own boss…things like freedom over your schedule, the ability to provide for your family and loved ones in the way you would like, a chance to travel the world and so forth.
These are all good reasons. But I would argue they are not good enough.
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You need what I call a Big Why…a reason that goes far beyond your everyday business goals, something that is so big, and so stupendous, that it literally takes your breath away to contemplate it.
Why do you need a Big Why? Because when you go into business for yourself, as exciting and wonderful as that is, you will inevitably face challenges, problems, setbacks and more. And you know what?
Your run of the mill reasons for being in business are not going to sustain you through those times and they will not do for you what your Big Why can and that is…
pull you forward. You see, you need a reason for doing what you do that is so compelling, and so thrilling and so challenging and so beautiful and attractive that you’ll do whatever it takes to see it come to life.
Let me give you an example from my own life. Over a decade ago, I decided that I wanted to do something more with my life. Yes, I already did meaningful work at that time, working in an emergency room as a PA. My days, and many times nights, consisted of sewing up people who had been injured, diagnosing and treating all kinds of illnesses and in general, taking care of the sick and injured, from children to adults.
But I wanted something more. So I decided to adopt a child from China. For me, this was a life Big Why that took my breath away. And when I began, I truly did not know if I would succeed.
But my Big Why pulled me forward, gave me inspiration, revived me when I was feeling low and made my day-to-day work more purposeful. I did succeed with my Big Why and today my child is a vibrant and creative going-on-twelve year old who is the light of my life.
A Big Why will not only get you through tough times, it will also inspire and motivate you and your business to be much more that you thought you could be.
Lately I’ve been working on my business Big Why and I’ve come up with three essential criteria for a Big Why that works.
Your Big Why must be:
Breathtaking - In other words, your BW must be so big, and so glorious that it makes you a little giddy just to think about it.
Transformational – You BW must make a difference for someone or something outside your business, such as providing a way for impoverished girls to become entrepreneurs, or doing something significant to help alleviate ocean pollution.
Scary - You read that right…if your Big Why doesn’t scare the pants off you, it’s not big enough.
And I know that for many of you, the temptation to get back to the “real work” of your business, answering emails, planning your marketing, scheduling coaching calls and so forth, will take you far away from contemplating your Big Why.
Resist that temptation.
Go to your appointment calendar right now, this very minute, and set up an appointment with yourself, preferably outside of your usual environment, to really get at your business Big Why.
When you have it, your Big Why will pull you forward in your business and in your life, like nothing else you’ve ever experienced. Go for it!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
What a beautiful article! I have been told before to “know my why” but never has it been put so powerfully…so until now I have settled for run-of-the-mill “whys.” I have already set up an appointment for me and my journal next week. Thank you, Ellen!
This really resonates with me!
I have this temptation, to just keep doing what I have been doing for years, decades, teaching music, which is safe, gives me an income, I’m good at it, etc.
On the other hand is this new thing, which makes me scared, feeling I’m not good enough, often makes me just want to run away!
But it is my big WHY!
So there is no way back! I actually don’t have any other choice than going for it!
Thanks!
I am ready for a new BW and this article helps me to focus on what my BW is now.
Love this article, Ellen – as usual! Thanks for your powerhouse thoughts on our Big Whys in helping us focus as better entrepreneurs! Very timely for me – the appt is set!
Fantastic article, Ellen! I always love your insights. This is so true. Without that big why that scares you a little bit, you won’t have the drive necessary to step out and do the hard things in your business. Thanks!
Ellen, a few years ago I went through a business failure which left me with more debt than I care to think about. Everything I did became about paying off that debt. No money for fun, pleasure, clothes, etc.
After a couple of years, my enthusiasm for making money waned because my life was only about paying off this debt. Without realizing it, I lost my enthusiasm for just about everything.
The debt has become much more manageable. Recently, (within the past few days) I began to think about compromising with my income. I began to allow myself to think about buying something new for my house or a new outfit.
Suddenly, my spirit lifted and a new energy and zest for life began to awaken. I spent some time writing what I wanted to accomplish & what my fears were (what was holding me back). Next, I wrote a plan for achieving the 2 goals I had chosen.
No, I don’t have some BIG WHY that is bigger than me and altruistic. That will come. For now, I am enjoying the “awakening” of anticipation I am feeling about living life again.
Warmly,
Mary Ann Pine
p.s. I just read your ebook “Zen and the Art of Email List Building.” Loved it and learned much from reading it. Thank you!
This is a great article, Ellen. So true for me as I’m scared out of my wits to step out of my comfort zone, but know It’s what I have to do to live my Big
Why.
Audrey, the first step in moving toward your Big Why, is to realize that you have to step out of your comfort zone. So congratulations! And let me know how it goes.
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