Lets get this into perspective; why am I doing this? Hahaha (before you call me nuts) I mean, why am I writing to tell you all these? Let’s find out below.
I have started so many projects in my life. Some projects have been successful, and others failed, stalled, or both. By success, I mean $10,000 a month in success through some projects. And by failure, I mean thousands of dollars in losses. The difference has always been my ability to ask a crucial question: “why am I doing this?”
What failed?
I recall starting some blogs which picked up really well in their first weeks, to say the least; I started some online courses which exhibited a fair share of success in the first few days of their production or sharing. However, for the most part, I dropped these projects when other things came over that appeared more promising.
What became successful?
Of the several projects I have started, I realize that the successful projects I dedicated my time and attention thrived because I gave them my undivided attention. I stayed the course and persisted even when they seemed tough. I could also see progress much faster for most of these projects. I recall seeing my writing project grow from a mere $200 a month to several thousand dollars. When I saw the account grow, I was obsessed with metrics, asking myself questions such as “what could I do to get more next month?” Never did I ask why I was doing what I did.
I did most of these things for money. And yes, money came.
What made the difference?
But there was a problem, I focused mostly on immediate things that brought in the money and left everything else that did not bring money to fall off my obsession. Great blog ideas, fantastic courses, and amazing books fell by the wayside due to this.
And I also think I became more inclined to the daily affairs of the freelance craft and less creative on what would sustain the business in the long run. No wonder the glory came crashing sooner than later when the market went down.
Letting go of projects that do not serve you should not be an issue and is in fact a very healthy practice to enhance productivity. However, we fail to see the bigger picture when our central focus is on immediate gains and instant financial gratification. We miss the chance to multiply the money we get because we assume that the blog, email list, or new business idea we started does not match the current income coming in.
This analogy is why a majority of people start great projects, books, blogs, and businesses, courses only to quit or pause indefinitely in the middle because of a sudden income gain or loss. Such income gains could be a new job, a new opportunity, or some extra money or attention that appears more promising at that moment.
Back to my story, I quit most projects because I focused on immediate money. And for the most part, when we focus on immediate financial gains, we may end up getting money but lose a lot in other areas of life. The money may never be enough, and the value of our work will be quite shallow in the end. It lacks the depths of why we do what we do.
When the money stops coming in…
And learning the hard way, several months after seeing my bank account go from fat to smaller by the day, I came to a harsh realization. It’s not enough to just want more money or to see people do something and want to do it too. One must ask the tough questions of life:
Why am I doing this?
When one gets it right, this question opens a new world for growth, progress, service, and fulfillment that money alone cannot buy.
Ever wondered why people talk about being content with what they have?
It’s not because you have enough, although that may be a part of it. Being content is a position of gratitude, knowing that what you offer the world does not match the money or recognition you get.
Contentment comes from knowing clearly why you do the things you do. Being content and knowing your why does not mean you settle for less or become complacent in the face of change. Rather, you go about life with bold steps, knowing too well that each step counts towards a journey fulfilling your deepest, truest sense of being in this world.
As I go about this new phase of my life, I am intentionally introducing this question to everything I do. From raising my children and building my business to fulfilling my job responsibilities. “Why am I doing this?” pops up every time.
Over to you:
Starting now, from reading this, building your business, posting on social media, starting a new family, moving jobs, ask yourself the one million dollar question: why am I doing this?
And take time to really listen to the answers that come from the silence of your being. Go deeper into your why. Experts call it the seven layers deep and discover for yourself the finer details of what really makes you tick. In another post, I shall share with you how the seven layers deep work.
Till next time, always remember:
Great businesses come from a deep desire to make a difference in the world and positively impact your customers.
