I’ve spent years tinkering wiht the gears of entrepreneurship, learning the hard way that money isn’t something you chase; it’s something that finds you when you’re aligned with your true self. See, I used to think that success was all about the hustle, the grind, the sleepless nights, and relentless networking. I wore my busyness like a badge, convinced that the number in my bank account was directly proportional to the number of hours I worked. Spoiler alert: I was wrong.
One night, after a notably draining day, I found myself staring at an empty spreadsheet, my dreams of financial freedom seeming further away then ever. I was pouring my energy into projects that didn’t inspire me; I was following formulas and blueprints carved by others. It took a moment of stillness—an unexpected pause in my chaotic life—to realize that I was out of alignment with what I truly wanted.
Here’s the truth that changed the game for me: money is a byproduct. It flows consequently of alignment with your authentic self, your passions, and your values. When I shifted my focus from the prospect of making money to the desire to create value, everything transformed. It’s about serving a purpose and owning your unique voice in the market. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be smart with your financial strategy; what it means is you should infuse that strategy with an unwavering belief in the work you do.
Let’s talk about the projects that light you up. I had this idea for an online course—one that felt like it was bursting out of my skin. I could have easily gone the “safer” route: a vague, broad course that would appeal to the masses and maximize profits. But deep down, that didn’t excite me. Instead, I focused on creating something that was authentically me. I poured my knowledge, my flaws, and my experience into it, and when I launched, it resonated.The money that followed felt like a natural consequence of being true to myself, not a forced outcome from chasing after it.
Aligning with your purpose also means evaluating your relationships. I had partnerships in the past that felt hollow. They brought in some revenue, sure, but they drained my spirit. I realized I wouldn’t thrive in an environment where values were compromised for profit.It’s crucial to choose collaborators who not only align with your business goals but also share a vision for the future that excites you both. Trust me on this one: when your network reflects your values,growth comes easier,faster,and more organically.
This isn’t about living in some idealistic bubble, though; let’s be real. I’m not suggesting you quit your day job and chase rainbows. Aligning yourself means integrating your passions into what you currently do. If you’re a waiter with a dream of starting a podcast, start recording between shifts. If you love painting but work in corporate finance, find ways to incorporate that creativity into your daily grind until you’re ready to leap. This is how you build resilience and generate opportunities without abandoning your financial responsibilities.
Here’s a controversial truth: many entrepreneurs fail because they refuse to embrace their authentic selves.We compare ourselves to the highlight reels of others, convinced that their playbooks are the keys to success. But if you’re not being true to yourself, you’re just another cog in the machine, spinning but not moving forward. Authenticity isn’t a buzzword; it’s when your work, impact, and even your failures become a reflection of who you are. That’s where the real power lies.
When you realign with your values, magic happens. Your audience sees your transparency, your vulnerability, and they connect with it. They want to support you—not just because you’re trying to sell them something, but because they believe in what you represent. That belief translates into sales, referrals, and genuine brand loyalty.
My wish for you is to find that alignment. Embrace what you love, take those messy steps forward, and stop treating money like the end-all. Rather, see it as the rewarding applause of a performance well done—a byproduct of being in your zone. So, if you’re wondering why the dollars aren’t flowing, take a step back. Ask yourself: are you aligned with your true purpose? Because when you find that clarity, the money is the cherry on top, not the whole sundae.