Blog

Actually going on the self-employed route is more like gambling and for most degenerate gamblers, it is not the end that drives them but the thrill of the possibility, the chance of recognition, the chemical high of anticipation, etc. They get more excited by the process rather than the endgame. For most people who have taken this self-employment journey, they would realize that the ebb period of any business they venture in would make them question their motive(s) for taking the plunge: Why do I really want to go out on my own? What is my endgame? How do I know when I have achieved what I set out for? Compare the questions above with the question that may be haunting you presently: I want to leave because I am bored? I am facing difficulties at the work place? Self employment would ultimately make me very wealthy? It is important to clarify the answers to these questions because when you place the two sets of questions together (when you are challenged as a self employed and when you are about to leave your job), you would come up with the third most important question you need to ask yourself before leaving your job – what is your purpose on this earth?.

In the previous posts of this particular series, I explained two significant questions that a paid employed executive should ask him/herself before taking the plunge; the questions are simple but evoke powerful meditations: “do I want more responsibility and restrictions?” You may click HERE to read more on this. “What is my net worth?” You may click HERE to read more on this. The third question would definitely give you the right perspective and be able to clarify your goals and aspirations in life and localize it to every decision you decide to make. For everything you are facing right now (e.g. your boring work; your overbearing boss; etc) is a seed to your destiny and your persistent attempt to disconnect with it indicates your lack of understanding of what it means to be in congruent with your purpose. An obese lady that decides to slim must first acknowledge and love her present body; taking ownership of her present body is critical to the sliming process. If not, the tendency to backslide during the process or return to the original size after losing several pounds is inevitable.

The Obese lady rationalizes her reasons; “my husband likes slim ladies”; “all my friends are slim”; “the world agrees that slim ladies are beautiful”; “obese ladies are perceived as being lazy”; “obese ladies always have health issues”. No matter how valid these reasons are, she would never be slim; even if she successfully loses some weight, the chances of returning to her prior state are 99.9%. The concept of acceptance and ownership must be displayed and formed in her attitude where she is not enslaved by external thoughts but the inner driving of her spirit and conscience. The litmus test is quite easy and it’s not congruent with a purposeful individual: Any form of showery, sucking-up and delusion is definitely not parallel to purpose. To put it plain and simple; if you are concerned about what people think about you; if you buy a new car because your friends are buying new cars; if you place yourself in a pseudo level that you think some people are beneath you; then self employment is not for you.

Successful self employed people are inert to circumstances, values and emotions like guilt, resentment, anger, materialism and need for approval. The executive leaving his job for self employment is likened to an obese lady losing some pounds. The executive should understand that he/she is simply gambling with every aspect of his/her life (economic, social, political, geographical, etc) except he/she can define his/her purpose on this earth. Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life, simplifies your life, motivates you, focuses your life and prepares you for eternity. All these attributes are necessary elements to your success as a self employed person. You cannot know your true purpose on earth without a personal relationship with God; this is very vital to knowing your purpose. Bertrand Russell, an atheist, concurs with this truth by saying; “unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless.”

Without purpose, whatever decision or direction, we plan to take is like chasing waterfalls. Continuously improving what you’re doing now rather than gravitating towards the latest shooting star idea (which of course is more fun) or jumping at untested waters. Waterfalls are pretty and fun to watch but there is gold in the river that you are used to. Whatever you are doing now, no matter how boring or challenging it appears to be, inherent in it lays the treasure to your destiny. In as much as I am a proponent of entrepreneurship and freedom; I do not believe in purposeless pursuits and do not endorse an untested direction that you have all the opportunity to test. Your heart may be thumping and everything within you may be craving for this route to self employment but slow down dear, chasing intangible dreams with no thought of the consequences it may have on your family, is totally irresponsible.

If you are truly sincere about clarifying your purpose, I would recommend a book by Pastor Rick Warren titled “The Purpose Driven Life”. It is a very easy to read book that has 40 chapters for you to read one chapter daily with your wife, friend, group or partner. My wife and I are currently reading this book and it has truly shaped our relationship, business, parenting, career for the better. You can pick one for yourself by simply ordering online at www.laternabooks.com for N1050. I would advise anybody that is contemplating leaving his job, to buy this book and take the 40 days exercise of reading one chapter daily with your partner. After the 40 days of reading this book with your partner and you are able to embrace more responsibility than you already have while preparing for more restrictions and you are also able to truly define and acquire your net worth, then my heart and blessing goes with you as you take the journey to an adventurous life of true freedom………….

`