I’ve participated in meetings and Zoom calls recently with business owners just like you who are facing enormous challenges. I have no doubt some of them won’t be in business in a year. And those who will have one thing in common: they know WHY they’re in business.

I challenge you to stop for a minute and think about your why. I’m not asking you to define what you do or even how you do it. Nope, that’s the easy part.

The “why” of your business describes your purpose, values and beliefs … or as Simon Sinek asks, “Why do you get out of bed each day?”

Let me break this down for you and share a few examples.

Say you’re a clothing merchant. Your why may be something along the lines of this: I love making women feel good about themselves and styling them in beautiful clothes.

Say you’re in insurance sales. Your why may be something like this: I love working with clients to help them find the best coverage so they and their family are protected.

Say you’re a CPA. Your why may be something like this: I want to serve my clients with the best advice possible so they go to bed at night knowing that their finances are safe.

Say you’re a restaurant owner: My customers dine with me knowing I serve the freshest, locally sourced ingredients that leave them feeling healthy and good about spending their dollars locally.

Your why isn’t about the money.

When you think about your why or your purpose, ask yourself the following questions:

  1. What are your strengths?
  2. What do you love to do?
  3. What have you been complimented on in the past?
  4. When people come to you for advice, what questions are they asking you?
  5. In what ways are you considered a leader?
  6. Why do you get out of bed in the morning?

Combining your strengths and talent with your interests that can make a positive impact on the world around you is a powerful thing. Do what you love to do and it won’t feel like work at all.

This post originally appeared on Heather’s blog and can be found here.