Are You Really Happy?

Not asking yourself periodically whether you are happy can lead you down a path of doing what you do today because you did it yesterday. There are always changes you can make. Bring in more capital to enhance your team. Change your role. Sell your stake in the company. You always have choices.

Let me clarify: when I say “happy,” I don’t mean that you are high-fiving all day. The things in life most worth doing are almost always the hard- est. Even though it is challenging, there is great fulfillment in building something, and even more in building “your” something. Nonetheless, you must check in with yourself.

To check in with yourself, set aside a time for two hours every other week- end either alone, or with someone you trust who is not involved in the business. You want to reflect when no one is watching. This is a time not to be on stage and to be candid with yourself about where you are.

“You can’t fight the fight and evaluate your life at the same time.” 

Take The Time To Reflect

During this time, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I happy? Even with the challenges, am I enjoying the journey? Do I get fulfillment about the progress we are making? Do I get excited when we win a customer, hire an employee or finish a project?
  • Is the pressure and strain worth the sacrifice I  am making? Be candid with yourself about the sacrifices you are making. They may be personal or financial or the opportunity costs of not doing other things. There is nothing wrong with sacrifice, as long as that sacrifice feels worth it to you.
  • How can I remove myself from the parts of the business I am  not good  at or I don’t like? Understanding the parts of the business you are not good at or that you don’t like are important to growing your business. This is also important for you. These are the elements of your day that are draining you. Identify these parts and use this time to think about how to remove them from your day now or in the future.
  • Do I want to be  the  builder or  the  visionary? Do I want to  be  CEO?  I know your first reaction: “How dare you ask me this question? After all that I have done to get here, now you don’t want me to be CEO?” At first, this is an uncomfortable question. Of course, you want to be CEO—you built it. However, being the CEO of an early stage venture is more about building the foundation of a business and managing its daily operations, than it is about your vision.

Taking the time to check in with yourself is critical to your success.

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