Finding Joy Beyond the Job: Why Personal Goals Matter More Than Business Success

Millennials often chase business success, but true happiness comes from personal fulfillment. Many young entrepreneurs focus too much on work and forget about their own needs. This can lead to burnout and unhappiness, even if the business is doing well. Entrepreneurship is appealing for many reasons, but the best ones align with personal goals. Personal planning should come before business planning. Many people get stuck in the day-to-day tasks of running a business. They lose sight of why they started in the first place. This can lead to years of work without any real satisfaction. Millennials value meaningful work and want a good work-life balance. They are ambitious and often change jobs frequently. Many plan to transition out of their current business within five years. This is partly because they don't want the long hours that previous generations endured.Creating a personal plan doesn't have to interfere with your business. In fact, it can help you find a better balance. The first step is to figure out your personal purpose. The STEP Exercise can help with this. It covers spiritual, material, experiential, and relational aspects of life. This exercise helps you think about what truly matters to you. Personal plans are not just dreams. They are actionable steps that you can take now. Start by setting a 10-year vision, a three-year strategy, a one-year goal, and 90-day sprints. This will help you make progress towards your personal goals while also running your business. Feeling fulfilled in your personal life can make you a better leader at work. It's not about specific activities, but about finding what truly brings you joy. This can be a challenging process, but it's worth it. If you need help, consider finding a Certified Exit Planning Advisor.