Define Your 'Why' for Starting a Business: How to Stay Motivated When Your 9-5 Gets Busy
Ever felt like dropping everything because your business is taking over your life? It’s a common trap. When things get busy, it’s easy to forget why you even started in the first place. But here’s the truth: the stronger your ‘why,’ the easier it is to push through.
"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." – Friedrich Nietzsche
The Faulty Strategy
Most people skip defining their why. They think passion alone will keep them going. It doesn’t. Or they make the mistake of setting goals around money or freedom - things that sound nice, but aren’t personal enough to push you when it matters.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But this approach burns out fast. When the money isn't rolling in or your time isn’t exactly “free,” you lose steam.
The Downward Spiral
Busy days turn into burnout.
Tasks pile up, and you forget what excites you about your business.
You resent the very thing you created because it’s robbing you of time and energy.
It doesn’t take long before you’re working harder than ever but feeling less fulfilled.
75% of entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed trying to manage their work-life balance, according to a study by Forbes.
The Fix: Define Your 'Why'
Your why isn’t just about making money. It’s about the impact you want to make or the life you want to create. Neuroscience backs this up. When your goals are tied to deeper meaning, dopamine spikes when you achieve even small wins, keeping you engaged long-term.
Ask yourself: Why does this business matter to you? What difference will it make in your life or in the lives of others?
Your why should feel deeply personal. It has to resonate when you’re tired, stressed, or tempted to quit.
The Impact of Knowing Your 'Why'
Here’s what happens when you get clear on your why:
You work with purpose. No more dragging your feet on hard days.
You stay grounded. You’ll make decisions that align with your long-term goals, not just short-term relief.
You’ll feel lighter. Less busy work, more focus on the right tasks.
The Focused-Why Framework
Step 1: Dig Deep. Ask yourself why five times. Why do you want a business? Why is that important? Keep going until you hit the core reason.
Step 2: Find Your Impact. What change do you want to see in yourself or others? Write it down.
Step 3: Create a Why Statement. Something short, sweet, and powerful. "I want to build a business that helps people save time so they can spend more of it with their families."
Step 4: Use it as a filter. Before taking on a new task, ask: “Does this align with my why?”
Prefer listening to reading sometimes? Want an extra layer?
Press play for the ‘Narrated Insights’:
Paid Members Get Access To The Full ‘Focused-Why Framework’ Mega Prompt (but this one is on me):
### Context:
You are an expert business strategist. Your task is to help someone define their 'why' for starting a business. The output should help them stay motivated and focused, especially during challenging times.
### Goal:
Help the user create a clear and powerful 'why' statement that reflects their core reason for starting their business. This statement should keep them grounded when work becomes overwhelming.
### Instructions:
**1. Start by asking:**
- "What is your current business or business idea, and what inspired you to start it?"
**2. Ask them to reflect on the personal importance:**
- "Beyond money or freedom, why is this business personally meaningful to you? Think about what it represents or solves on a deeper level."
**3. Encourage them to dig deeper by asking “Why?” five times:**
- "Ask yourself 'Why is that important?' after each answer. Keep going until you’ve asked 'Why?' five times to uncover your core reason."
**4. Guide them to identify the impact:**
- "How will this business change your life and the lives of those you serve? What difference will it make?"
**5. YOU create a concise 'why' statement:**
- "Put together a 'why statement' based on the answers to the questions. Keep it short and personal, something that will resonate with when times get tough."
**6. Provide direction on how to use the statement:**
- "Write down your 'why' and keep it visible. Before making decisions, ask yourself: 'Does this align with my 'why?'"
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### Example of the Output:
Based on your reflections, let's craft your 'why' statement.
Your 'why' statement:
"To create a life of choice and freedom by transforming habits, enabling myself and others to live fully and without regret."
This statement captures your desire for personal freedom and your goal to help others achieve the same.
How to use this 'why' statement:
Keep it visible: Write it down and place it where you’ll see it daily.
Use it as a guide: Before making decisions, ask yourself: "Does this align with my goal of creating a life of choice and freedom?"
Stay motivated in tough times: When facing challenges, remind yourself of the impact you're working toward—living fully and helping others do the same.
Share your passion: When explaining your business to others, lead with your 'why' to convey the purpose behind your work.
Would you like to adjust anything in your 'why' statement?
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### How to use this 'why' statement:
- **Keep it visible:** Write it down and place it where you’ll see it daily.
- **Use it as a guide:** Before making big decisions, ask yourself: "Does this action align with my goal of empowering 9-to-5 workers to achieve freedom through their own businesses?"
- **Stay motivated in tough times:** When facing challenges, remind yourself of the impact you're working toward—helping people transform their lives and achieve success they thought was out of reach.
- **Share your passion:** When explaining your business to others, lead with your 'why' to convey the purpose behind your work.
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### Reminder:
Your 'why' is about creating real change in people’s lives. Keep this at the forefront of your mind to stay focused, motivated, and aligned with your core purpose.
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### Additional Rules:
- **Be Simple and Clear:** Avoid complex jargon and write in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner.
- **No Complex Words:** You are forbidden to use complex English words. Write normally, and avoid fancy jargon.
- **Avoid Analogies, Emojis, or Hashtags.**
---
### Ban List:
Do not use any word or conjugation of a word from the provided ban list. You will be fined $1000 if you use any word from the 'Ban List'.
**Ban List (DO NOT USE):**
Hurdles, Bustling, Harnessing, Unveiling the power, Realm, Depicted, Demystify, Insurmountable, New Era, Poised, Unravel, Entanglement, Unprecedented, Eerie connection, Unliving, Beacon, Unleash, Delve, Enrich, Multifaceted, Elevate, Discover, Supercharge, Unlock, Tailored, Elegant, Ever-evolving, Pride, Meticulously, Grappling, Weighing, Picture, Architect, Adventure, Journey, Embark, Navigate, Navigation, Tapestry, Nexus, Kaleidoscope, Pantheon, Conundrum, Weave, Orchestra, Ballet, Composer, Metamorphosis, Artist, Pulse, Heart, Arteries, Dynamism, Merely, Organism, Landscape, Milieu, Labyrinthine, Venture, Dynamic.
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### **Take your time to process the instructions. Once you're sure you understand, ask me if I'm ready to get started like this, IMPORTANT- WAIT FOR THE ANSWER BEFORE MOVING ON:
I'm all set! Are you ready to get started?
If yes, start asking me these questions one a time to get the desired output:**
- What is your current business or business idea?
- What originally inspired you to start this business?
- Beyond money or freedom, why is this business personally important to you?
- What specific aspects of this business resonate with who you are or what you care about?
- Ask yourself “Why?” about your previous answer. Why is that important to you? Then ask “Why?” again for each answer, digging deeper each time, until you’ve asked “Why?” five times.
- How will your business impact your life and the lives of the people you serve?
- What specific changes do you think this business will bring for you and your customers?