Why Your “Why” is the Foundation of Every Successful Business
Have you ever wondered why some people dive into a side hustle and stick with it—even when things get tough—while others quit after the first setback? The difference often comes down to one thing: their “why.”
Look, I get it. Whatever your reason for starting a side hustle or business, you must ensure it will be strong enough to sustain you during difficult times. And, let’s be honest, making money is not ‘really’ a reason why. Many people are unaware that Amazon did not make a profit for eight years. EIGHT YEARS! Do you have a strong enough reason that can lead you to keep trying for that long? But when your business is tied to a deeper purpose, everything changes.
What is Your “Why”?
Your “why” is the underlying reason you want to start a business. It’s not just about income—it’s about impact, freedom, fulfillment, or creating a better future. For some, the “why” is having the flexibility to spend more time with family. For others, it’s about building something of their own after years of working for someone else. And for many, it’s about solving a problem they deeply care about.
When you know your “why,” you create a powerful anchor that keeps you grounded. It becomes your fuel when motivation runs low and your compass when making tough decisions.
The Power of a Strong Why
Lets say we have two people starting the same type of business. One of them is driven by the need for fast cash, or get rich quick, motivation. The other is motivated by a desire to help busy parents save time with better meal planning because they once struggled with it themselves. Which one is more likely to push through obstacles, connect with customers, and stick it out when results don’t come overnight?
Exactly—the one with the stronger “why.” That’s because passion and purpose give you the resilience you need. They connect you emotionally to your work, and that connection is contagious—customers feel it too.
How to Discover Your Why
If you’re not sure what your “why“ is yet, don’t worry. Here are three simple questions to get you started:
- What do I want my life to look like in the next 2–5 years?
- Why do I feel drawn to start a business instead of just working a job?
- If money were not an issue, what kind of work would make me feel fulfilled?
Write your answers down. Look for the common themes. Somewhere in those answers is your “why.”
Putting Your Why into Words
Once you’ve uncovered it, turn it into a statement you can come back to when times get tough. For example:
- I want to build a business so I can create more freedom to travel with my family.
- I want to use my skills to help others save time and stress.
- I want to build something of my own that creates long-term financial security.
Keep this statement somewhere visible—on your desk, in your journal, or even as the background on your phone.
Your Next Step
Finding your “why“ is the very first step in my Seven Step Foundation Series, a training designed to help you lay the groundwork for a side hustle or small business that lasts. Before you think about websites, marketing, or sales, you need this foundation in place.
If you’re ready to find your purpose and start building your business on the right foot, check out the full training here:
Bizinfo 101 Training
Remember: When your why is strong enough, the how will always follow.