I was up until 4:30 am Friday night.
While this might not be unusual for some of you, it’s important to know I spent it working, laying out a book in my business partner’s basement. This was after two days of working until midnight and another until 1:30 am. I left her home to go to Dunkin’ Donuts for coffee and Starbucks for brownies, and that was it!
At 4:30 in the morning as we were finally wrapping up for the “night” I realized I was smiling (albeit exhaustingly).
I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be, doing work I am absolutely meant to be doing…work with a higher purpose that is going to make a difference. I realized my heart and soul were in that basement, in the book we were creating and in our vision for the future.
This was a critically important moment for me. Working on a start-up means people who are close to me ask if it’s really the right thing for me to be doing. Family members ask when we’ll start making money. Your will and ability to persevere is tested as an entrepreneur.
And while I highly recommend all entrepreneurs read Carol Roth’s book The Entrepreneur Equation for crucially important financial and real-world guidance, at the end of the day I think there is one question entrepreneurs who are starting and leading a new business must ask themselves that ranks above all others:
Is this where my heart and soul truly lie?
If the answer to this question is, “Yes,” and you realize it’s not about the money or just a business idea that sounded good when you first heard it, then your inner knowing will fortify you as you ride the entrepreneurial roller coaster. If the answer is, “Yes,” carry on confidently in the direction of your dreams!
Do you agree?
~
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10 Response Comments
Yes, indeed – agree! Sometimes, the most difficult thing for us is to give ourselves permission to say that we can – we SHOULD – be doing work that aligns with our life purpose.
I had a feeling this post would resonate with you…! You’ve found your True Path. 🙂
All I can say Lisa is that you have hit the nail on the head. This one question is superb and it is a key reminder to always have when we hit both the ups and downs of running a business. I will always remember this from today. You have given me THE question that will be my compass. Thank you.
I couldn’t be more honored, Peter. Thank you!
Lisa, another wonderful and empowering post! You forgot one tiny detail. Not only were you working until midnight, 1:30am, and 4:30am, you took the time to write about it so we can all learn from your experience. I have been involved with seven start-ups and consulted a handful of others. I’ve worked in large established corporations and consulted large established corporations and the one question I always as is:
Are you building a company or preparing for someone to buy you out?
The question is tougher to answer if the person is in a start-up in the high-tech world where the assumption is the trucks of money from Google will arrive any moment which is about as likely as winning the lottery.
Do it because it’s deep in your soul or it’s a job and collect the paycheck.
Thank you, Kneale! I love the way you summed it up – “Do it because it’s deep in your soul!” You and I are always on the same page, it seems! Honored to have you here!
Omg, yes. Thank you. The “Inner Knowing” as you say that produces only a rakish smile and a pat on the shoulder from me when my family or friends begin with the “hand wringing”. People say “Everyone isn’t cutout for that kind of life” and I thought I was in that basket… until I hit the mark. The one thing that I want to be a part of, make work, and believe in so completely… that I don’t have to sell, just share my enthusiasm!
You’re welcome, Rosie – and welcome to this brilliant and life-fulfilling path!
Well, my dear friend…long time since I have written, but that does not mean that I don’t stop by. I just don’t always knock on the door and come in and visit. So to your question:
“Is this where my heart and soul truly lie?”
I agree that the question should and must be asked when we are starting something new, that is a new job, new career, degree pursuit, new relationship. One will always be more successful at almost every level if they are “all in” with their heart and soul. When you dare to dream a dream, lay out a plan…start your own business this should be your driving force.
I only want to add one caveat. Down the road, your heart and soul may tire and want to move on to the next place; however, life events may control your ability to be able to move on. Do you see what I mean? You may want to go on to the next dream, but taking care of an elderly parent, a sick spouse or child, dealing with a recession…(the list goes on) may force you to stay beyond the fulfillment of all your dreams. This is when you might have to say to youself: “I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now!” Just a thought.
We should all be so blessed to always be working on something that grabs our soul and takes us higher.
Have a beautiful weekend…get some rest!
Judy
Judy, I have missed you, my friend! Knowing that you are exactly where you are meant to be at that place in time is not just a thought, it’s a beautiful and insightful thought. Thank you so much for sharing it here, I am honored to know you continue to stop by!