An entrepreneur without purpose is more like degenerate gamblers. It is not the end result that drives them but the thrill of the possibility, the chance of recognition, and the chemical high of anticipation. They get more excited by the process rather than the endgame. For most people who have taken this entrepreneurial 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 I have achieved what I set out for?

Compare the questions above with the reasons that may be haunting you presently:

I want to leave because I am bored.

I am facing difficulties at the work place.

Entrepreneurship would ultimately make me very wealthy.

 

 

The third question regarding “purpose” 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 (like your boring work and overbearing boss) 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.

 

 

A practical example is an obese lady that decides to reduce weight. She must first acknowledge, love and take ownership of her present body. This 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. She needs something bigger than the mental realm that she is currently operating. She needs God. She cannot know her true purpose on earth without a personal relationship with God. Bertrand Russell, an atheist, concurs with this truth by saying; “unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless”

 

 

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; then entrepreneurship is not for you. Successful entrepreneurs are inert to circumstances and emotions like guilt and need for approval. The executive should understand that he is simply gambling with every aspect of his life except he can define his purpose on this earth. Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life, simplifies your life, motivates you, focuses your life and prepares you beyond this earth.

 

 

One of the greatest mistakes that entrepreneurs make is to fall for the temptation of chasing waterfalls. This is where you need purpose to clarify your direction. Waterfall is 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 if you continually improve on it. Get a mentor in the current direction to act as a prototype to your destiny. Intentionally invest in seminars and gatherings to build a network of similar inclinations. Buy books to sharpen your insight and skills.

 

 

Whatever you are doing now, no matter how boring or challenging it appears to be, lays the treasure to your destiny. In as much as I am a proponent of entrepreneurship; 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 entrepreneurship 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 sincere about clarifying your purpose, I will recommend a book by Pastor Rick Warren titled “The Purpose Driven Life”. 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. After reading this book to understand and clarify your purpose, then check if you can embrace more responsibilities and restrictions. After making sure you have defined and acquired your net worth, then my heart and blessing goes with you as you take the journey to an adventurous life of true freedom.