Entrepreneurship Isn't the End Game. At Least It Shouldn't Be.

It's a means to an end, not an end in and of itself.

Recently I took a lovely vacation with my beautiful wife to a beach across the country. On one hand, it was hard to step away from work and all the content I want to create and all the things I need to get done. But on the other, it’s exactly what I needed - for a couple of reasons.

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in plans and things that sound great - like writing that next blog post or editing this week’s video - and forget what’s truly most important and why I do what I do.

I strongly believe in building a successful side hustle. After all, it’s to that topic that Side Hustle Road is dedicated. And I know that it takes hard work and time to be successful. I didn’t start making money on Medium overnight, after all.

Yes, to be successful, you need to expect to spend considerable amounts of time working on your side hustle. But make sure you don’t lose sight of what’s important.

What’s your “why”?

I suspect that for most of us, simply “being an entrepreneur” isn’t really the reason we want to work for ourselves. Maybe it is for you. But for me personally - and I think for the vast majority of us - there’s something more in play. You say you want to quit your job and work for yourself? That’s a worthy goal, but why do you want to do that?

What’s your reason?

If you didn’t work at all, you’d probably get bored pretty quickly. Humans are built for work and productivity We don’t have to work for someone else, though.

But why do you want to work for yourself?

Sooner or later, you need to answer this question. The fact is, you may not know 100% right now. And that’s okay. You may not know without some deep, concentrated reflection.

But don’t be content with not knowing forever.

Why you should know your why

Here’s the thing: Life is full of distractions, and it’s full of “good” things that aren’t the best things. Working on a side hustle is awesome. I highly recommend it, and I truly want each and every person reading this to think of ways he or she can build a side hustle.

But if you aren’t careful, you might be doing it for the wrong reasons. Or, you might give up when - not if - you hit bumps in the road and are discouraged.

If you know why you want to do what you want to do, you’ll be able to thrive even when setbacks come, and you won’t let other things crowd your vision.

Hopefully you enjoy your side hustle. I really hope you do.

But never forget that your reason for working the side hustle isn’t the side hustle itself. At least it shouldn’t be.

There’s more to life than work.

Personally, my “why” is my time. Time freedom is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Freedom to spend more time with my wife and our family.

Freedom to take a vacation on a whim.

Freedom to take a day or two and just chill.

That’s what I want.

Remember your reason for doing what you do. Remember it when things are going well and when you’re discouraged.

In the good times, it will help you remember that you didn’t get started just for the sake of working for yourself.

In the bad times, it will help keep you focused and resolved to work through discouragement.

Lots more can be said about this - and in time I will. But for now, give some serious thought to your “why.”

It’s more important than you know.