NeoDialectic
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I was reading @Kak 's updated description of his podcast , and it reminded me of a thread I made a while ago on doing business consistent with your personality. Then I started thinking about how there have been some significant rifts and heated debates recently on the forum. A core reason for the disagreements is simply a difference in preferences and values among the titans, as outlined below:
Now that I no longer need to work, I've found that several aspects of entrepreneurship (building, helping, solving problems) are very fulfilling, so even though I can be doing anything I want, I choose to show up to the office anyways! On the other hand, I decided to travel for two weeks with my family every month this last year. Every time I come back, it blows my mind how two weeks passed, and I didn't even think about business. But I'm also glad to be back. If someone told me I couldn't build any more companies, I would be upset, then move on to some other value like working out, reading, having deep discussions, traveling, etc barely skipping a beat...
I deeply respect the type of people in the "entrepreneurship is an end in itself" category. But it isn't for me. If I try to take that person's advice, you will find me overworked, irritated, and far from fulfilled. Long term, I need more in my life than work. On the other hand, if that person takes my advice, they have been wasting a lot of time not dreaming big enough. Ironically they won't be fulfilled either because they know they aren't performing at their prime.
Entrepreneurship is an end in itself (It is fulfilling as a value in and of itself)
This is the category that people like @Kak fall into. Working and doing business is a high value in and of itself. While money is a pleasant by-product, you just like working. Working and building something is immensely fulfilling and nearly irreplaceable as a value. You likely have to fall into this category to reach the upper echelons of business. Elon, Gary V, Cardone, and Steve Jobs fit this category.Entrepreneurship is strictly a means to an end (achieving some higher value)
This is probably where most wantrepreneurs start. You are only starting a business because you have calculated that doing so is the only way to achieve the lifestyle you want. You have to force yourself through the movements as you don't particularly like most of the actions involved. You don't want to spend time fixing things, you don't like hiring or managing people, and you would prefer to just do your hobbies or fulfill other values if you could. You would gladly work at Mcdonald's if it made you rich. MJ's books try to inspire the reader to leave this category and onto the next, as you will unlikely last long enough to strike success otherwise.Entrepreneurship is somewhere in the middle for you (It is enjoyable but can thrive without it)
I'm pretty sure this category includes @MJ DeMarco himself. This category also includes @fastlane_dad and me. You enjoy entrepreneurship, but it's ultimately serving some higher value, and you could live without it. I got into entrepreneurship to serve my highest value (freedom). I didn't want to work or be pressured by society to do something I didn't want to do.Now that I no longer need to work, I've found that several aspects of entrepreneurship (building, helping, solving problems) are very fulfilling, so even though I can be doing anything I want, I choose to show up to the office anyways! On the other hand, I decided to travel for two weeks with my family every month this last year. Every time I come back, it blows my mind how two weeks passed, and I didn't even think about business. But I'm also glad to be back. If someone told me I couldn't build any more companies, I would be upset, then move on to some other value like working out, reading, having deep discussions, traveling, etc barely skipping a beat...
The Point
Entrepreneurship is an art form, and you would do best following the advice of those that most jive with your motivations and values. The forum benefits from having an assortment of voices for aspiring entrepreneurs to listen to. When taking advice from someone, make sure you are correctly contextualizing the advice. For example, "Do they live the type I lifestyle I want to live?".I deeply respect the type of people in the "entrepreneurship is an end in itself" category. But it isn't for me. If I try to take that person's advice, you will find me overworked, irritated, and far from fulfilled. Long term, I need more in my life than work. On the other hand, if that person takes my advice, they have been wasting a lot of time not dreaming big enough. Ironically they won't be fulfilled either because they know they aren't performing at their prime.
Afterthoughts
I am curious to see where everyone here is on the spectrum, so I've included a poll in this thread. What are your goals and values? What is the purpose of entrepreneurship for you?
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