I once had the opportunity to meet a co-founder who had a very clear goal: to earn $1 million for every year he worked at that startup, and leave a positive impact on the world.
I was surprised by the clarity of that thought and began to ask other founders, outside of the business plan analysis process, what their personal goals were. It turns out that a surprising number of startup founders aren't really sure why they run a company, let alone what their personal goals are.
In this world of metrics and goals, that blew my mind. It is not just a business model coherent or solid plan for your product or service. As a founder, you must dig deeper; have a lucid understanding of the objectives for starting a business.
The appeal of entrepreneurship is undeniable: it offers the thrill of creating something new, the possibility of immense financial success, the opportunity to revolutionize industries, or even the potential to change the world. However, the path is fraught with challenges and stress, often making the comfort of a freelance, standard-hour job seem immensely attractive.
So why take the step? Why walk the tightrope of startup life? The answer is probably tied to personal goals.
To make a meaningful difference in the world, the startup could be the vehicle that drives that change. He world has witnessed the transformative power from startups like Facebook, Tesla and Airbnb. They started as small initiatives driven by founders who wanted to disrupt the status quo. The personal goals of these entrepreneurs were not simply profitability; They cared about creating a lasting impact.
But how is that impact measured?
The key is to have quantifiable objectives with specific deadlines. If the goal is to reduce your carbon footprint, you need to set a target for the amount of carbon emissions the product will reduce in a given period. If you want to democratize education, then the goal will be the number of users the platform will reach in a specific period of time. A clear and measurable goal not only keeps you focused, but also helps the team align efforts toward a common goal. It also helps to know if what you are doing is really working.
The financial aspect is equally important. The founder must be clear about financial expectations. Become a billionaire? Or just a comfortable life while working on what you like? Being clear about financial goals can help you make crucial decisions about financing, scaling, and possible exits.
Any therapist will tell you that having clear personal goals is not just about knowing what you want. It's about understanding why you want it. Founding a startup involves long hours, immense pressure, and a high risk of failure. fracaso. To endure, it takes more than a vision; You need a deeper reason, a “why,” that fuels passion and resilience.
Simon Sinek, author of “Start With Why,” reminds us that people don't buy what you make; They buy why you do it. The “why” is the core belief, the reason the founder wakes up every morning prepared to face the challenges of startup life. It is what attracts customers, employees and investors.
Yes, it is true that the path of a founder is demanding and often unpredictable. But it's also a journey of self-discovery, growth, and potentially world-changing innovation. When personal objectives are clear, you not only work to achieve a successful business; a full life is built.
In the end, the startup is not just a company; It is a reflection of personal aspirations. The clearer the objectives are, the greater the chances of navigating the tumultuous seas of entrepreneurship.
When the going gets tough, the founder's vision will light the way, so ensuring you know what that vision is is key, or the biggest risk will be burning out along the way.
