Have you ever felt like Alice, wandering through Wonderland, asking, “Which way should I go?” Trust me, you’re not alone! In Lewis Carroll’s whimsical tale, Alice meets the mischievous Cheshire Cat, who drops some seriously sage advice: “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”
Sound familiar? Yup, finding your purpose in the online business maze can feel a bit like chasing white rabbits down rabbit holes. But fear not! We’re here to start on an epic quest together—a journey to uncover the magic of purpose in the digital world.
So, kick back, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s dive in! We’ll draw inspiration from Alice’s chats with the Cheshire Cat, unlocking his secrets along the way.
Ready for an adventure? Great! Let’s follow that grin and discover the true essence of purpose in your online business journey. Let’s do this!
Picture this: you’re standing at the crossroads of entrepreneurship, surrounded by a flurry of options, directions, and opportunities. It’s easy to feel like Alice, unsure which path to take. But fear not! Remember the Cheshire Cat’s sly smile and his cryptic yet insightful words: “Every adventure requires a first step.”
Let’s take that first step together. Close your eyes (okay, not for too long—you don’t want to miss the adventure!) and envision your online business dreams.
What sets your heart on fire?
This question, inspired by the wisdom of the Cheshire Cat, invites us to explore the depths of our desires and aspirations, much like Alice did in her journey through Wonderland.
It prompts us to identify the parts of our business that truly excite us, those goals and pursuits that stir our souls and fuel our determination. Just as Alice discovered her purpose amidst the whimsical chaos of Wonderland, uncovering what sets our hearts ablaze and leads us towards clarity and direction in our entrepreneurial pursuits.
What makes you jump out of bed in the morning, eager to tackle the day?
Think about the activities, projects, or experiences that make you feel truly alive and inspired. Maybe it’s the thought of working on a creative project that lights you up inside, or the prospect of tackling a new challenge that pushes you to grow and evolve. It could be the opportunity to make a positive impact on others, whether through your work, your relationships, or your contributions to your community.
Maybe it’s crafting beautiful websites that leave visitors in awe. Perhaps it’s creating content that sparks joy and inspires action. Or maybe it’s connecting with customers on a deeper level, solving their problems and making their lives a little bit easier.
So take a moment to reflect on what truly excites you, what fills you with joy and purpose. Whether it’s pursuing your passions, challenging yourself to grow, or making a positive impact on others, let that be your guiding light as you navigate the ups and downs of your entrepreneurial journey.
Whatever it is, hold onto that vision like Alice clutching onto her bottle of “Drink Me.” It’s your ticket to Wonderland—a place where purpose isn’t just a destination but a guiding star that lights up the darkest of paths.
Now, let’s get practical. Just like Alice needed a map to navigate Wonderland, you’ll need a plan to uncover your purpose in the online business realm. Start by asking yourself some questions:
These questions aren’t meant to stump you like the Queen of Hearts’ riddles—they’re meant to spark inspiration and guide you toward your true north.
And just like Alice’s journey through Wonderland, finding your purpose in online business might not be a straight line. There might be twists, turns, and unexpected detours along the way. But with the Cheshire Cat’s grin as our guide, we’ll embrace the adventure, knowing that every twist and turn brings us one step closer to clarity and fulfillment.
What do I love doing?
Imagine yourself in Wonderland, surrounded by all the wonders and curiosities. Now, take a moment to reflect on what truly makes your heart sing. What activities bring you joy, excitement, and a sense of fulfillment?
Maybe you’re a creative wizard, weaving spells with words or crafting eye-catching designs that dazzle and delight. Perhaps you’re a problem-solving powerhouse, relishing the challenge of untangling complex puzzles and finding elegant solutions. Or maybe you’re a people person, thriving on human connections and the opportunity to make a positive impact on others’ lives.
Think about those moments when time seems to stand still, when you’re so engrossed in what you’re doing that you forget about everything else. Whether it’s brainstorming new ideas, collaborating with others, or simply getting lost in your work, pay attention to those moments—they’re clues pointing you toward your true passions and purpose.
And don’t be afraid to think outside the box! In Wonderland, anything is possible, so why not explore new hobbies, interests, and avenues of creativity? Who knows, you might uncover hidden talents and passions you never knew you had!
Remember, your online business is an extension of yourself—a reflection of your passions, values, and unique perspective on the world. So, when it comes to finding your purpose, listen to your heart, trust your instincts, and dare to dream big.
What am I really good at?
Next, take a moment to reflect on your own unique set of skills, talents, and strengths. What are you absolutely rockin’ at? What sets you apart from the crowd and makes you shine like the brightest star in the night sky?
Maybe you’re a tech whiz, coding circles around the competition and turning complex algorithms into works of art. Perhaps you’re a natural-born leader, inspiring others with your vision, charisma, and knack for bringing out the best in people. Or maybe you’re a master of organization, juggling multiple tasks with ease and keeping everything running like a well-oiled machine.
Think about those moments when you’ve felt truly in your element, when you’ve effortlessly conquered challenges and achieved remarkable feats. Whether it’s writing killer copy, crunching numbers like a pro, or captivating audiences with your storytelling prowess, pay attention to those moments—they’re clues pointing you toward your true superpowers and potential.
And don’t sell yourself short! Why not push the boundaries of what you think you’re capable of? Embrace new opportunities for growth, learning, and self-improvement, and watch as your skills and confidence soar to new heights!
When it comes to finding your purpose, celebrate your strengths, own your expertise, and boldly proclaim to the world: “I am truly amazing at what I do!”
What problem can I solve better than anyone else?
Your quest for purpose takes a fascinating turn when we start thinking about the problems and challenges we’re uniquely equipped to solve. Now, consider the problems you see in the world—big or small, complex or straightforward—and ask yourself: What problem am I uniquely positioned to solve?
Maybe you have a knack for simplifying the complex, breaking down barriers, and making intimidating tasks feel like a walk in the park. Perhaps you have a deep understanding of your target audience’s pain points, frustrations, and needs, and you’re laser-focused on delivering solutions that exceed their wildest expectations. Or maybe you have a passion for innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and redefining the status quo in your industry.
Think about those moments when you’ve spotted a problem and thought to yourself, “I could totally fix that!” Whether it’s streamlining a cumbersome process, revolutionizing an outdated industry, or addressing a pressing need in your community, pay attention to those moments—they’re clues pointing you toward your true calling and purpose.
And don’t be afraid to think big! In Wonderland, the sky’s the limit, so why not dream up solutions that defy expectations, challenge assumptions, and change the game forever? Embrace your creativity, curiosity, and courage, and dare to imagine a world where your unique talents and insights make a real difference.
Remember, your online business is more than just a way to make a living—it’s a platform for you to make a meaningful impact on the world, one problem at a time. So, when it comes to finding your purpose, think about the problems that light a fire in your soul, and let your passion, expertise, and ingenuity guide you toward solutions that truly matter.
How do I want my business to impact the world?
I want you to see your business as a force for good, a beacon of light in a sometimes cloudy world. Maybe you see it as a source of inspiration, encouraging others to chase their dreams and never give up hope. Or perhaps you envision it as a catalyst for change, leading by example and showing others that positive transformation is possible, no matter how big or small.
Consider the ripple effect your business could create. It could be as simple as brightening someone’s day with a kind gesture or as profound as sparking a movement that changes lives for the better.
Maybe you’re passionate about protecting the environment. Think of your business as a friend to the planet, spreading the word about easy ways to live greener and make our world a better place.
Or maybe you really care about helping groups of people who don’t always have a strong voice, like minorities or those who are treated unfairly. You want your business to be a way to make their voices heard and fight for fairness and equal treatment.
Think about the values that are near and dear to your heart and how your business can embody those values in everything it does. Whether it’s through charitable initiatives, ethical business practices, or simply spreading love and kindness in your everyday interactions, there are countless ways your business can make a positive impact on the world.
The impact of your business isn’t just measured in profits—it’s measured in lives touched, hearts uplifted, and futures brightened. So, when it comes to finding your purpose, think about the legacy you want to leave behind and the mark you want to make on the world.
Finding your purpose for your online business is like going on an adventure. It’s a journey that takes time, effort, and a bit of trial and error. Just like Alice exploring Wonderland, you’ll need to take some time to think about what really matters to you. What gets you excited? What makes you feel fulfilled?
Once you have an idea, it’s time to start experimenting. Try out different things, see what works and what doesn’t. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way—it’s all part of the process.
So, take your time, enjoy the ride, and trust that with a little patience and perseverance, you’ll discover the true purpose of your online business.
If you’d like to dive deeper into how you can find the purpose for your online business, my friend and mentor Connie Ragen Green has written a great blog post on the topic. In that article you can read why Connie believes it’s part of our DNA.
I’m “recovering computer technologist,” Richard Rawlings (Rick) Smith. I’ve enjoyed many years of experience in the tech industry. But now my mission is to invite you to join me in following your dream of creating an online business that allows you to enjoy the lifestyle you want and deserve.
Want to learn to start taking massive action on finding your purpose? My mentor, Connie Ragen Green has a free challenge she calls the Action Habits Challenge. And did I mention it’s FREE???