Joy, Entrepreneurial Joy!

Kevin Kruse quote

Jesse and I often get asked if we still love what we do on our food truck after 7 years. It's a common question for entrepreneurs like us. Starting a business is a thrilling adventure driven by various motivations. Some people crave the freedom to be their own boss, while others are enticed by the potential financial rewards. But there's something else that often goes unnoticed in entrepreneurship: the incredible joy that comes from using our unique talents. In this blog post, we'll delve into how entrepreneurs can find fulfillment, happiness, and long-term success by aligning their business ventures with their passions and purpose.

Having a Strong why

Let's talk about freedom and money for a moment. Let's be real here - they're powerful factors that tempt many individuals to leave their 9 to 5 jobs. The idea of setting our own schedules, making independent decisions, and breaking free from the monotony of traditional employment can be incredibly alluring. And of course, the potential financial rewards that come with running a successful business can offer a sense of security and improve our quality of life. But here's the thing: freedom and money alone can't sustain our journey as entrepreneurs. We need a stronger WHY. Trust me, during the tough seasons when you question why you're doing this, freedom and money won't keep you going. The pursuit of joy and fulfillment should be the compass guiding our path. Jesse and I don't do anything we don't absolutely love.

Each of us has a unique combination of talents, skills, and passions that define who we are. When we tap into these inherent gifts, we unlock a wellspring of creativity, inspiration, and genuine enthusiasm. As entrepreneurs, when we align our business ventures with our gifts, we experience a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Let me give you an example. If you have a natural talent for storytelling, starting a content creation business or becoming a writer could bring you immense joy. Or perhaps you're deeply passionate about environmental sustainability; launching a green-focused enterprise would allow you to make a positive impact on the world while doing what you love. In my case, I've always been a strong writer, and it's something I've been doing my whole life. Jesse, on the other hand, is mechanically inclined and loves to tinker.

Joy is the fruit

Now, while freedom and financial success are undoubtedly important, joy is the ultimate reward that comes from operating in alignment with our gifts. When we do what we love, our work becomes an extension of ourselves, providing a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that goes beyond monetary gains. As Kevin Kruse puts it, "Life is about making an impact, not making an income."

Entrepreneurial joy is multi-faceted. It's the joy of waking up every morning, eager and motivated to work on projects that ignite our passion. It's the joy of witnessing the positive impact we have on our customers, clients, or communities. It's the joy of personal growth and self-discovery as we overcome challenges and develop new skills. Joy permeates every aspect of our entrepreneurial journey, becoming the driving force behind our perseverance and success.

Things to Keep Top of Mind

To cultivate joy in our entrepreneurial endeavors, there are a few things we should keep in mind:

1. Self-reflection: Take the time to explore your passions, talents, and values. Jesse and I use the 6 F's: Faith, Family, Friends, Fun, Flowering, and Fitness. Identify where your gifts intersect with market opportunities and carve out a niche that allows you to thrive.

2. Embrace authenticity: Stay true to yourself and your vision. Don't succumb to societal pressures or chase trends that don't align with your genuine interests. Authenticity breeds joy. We often say, "All money ain't good money."

3. Seek purposeful growth: Continuously strive to improve your skills, knowledge, and mindset. Invest in personal and professional development, allowing yourself to evolve alongside your business. Specifially, we prioritize our marriage development. Last year, we joined Daniel's Den with Dr. Dharius Daniels together, then went through his BibleU and TCP courses. I also participated in Tim Morris' Designology and the Women in Leadership Certification Program through Jakes Divinity School. We also attended Living Waters Ministry's "Healing the Heart" retreat. These experiences aim to develop us holistically.

4. Embrace challenges: Entrepreneurship is a journey of ups and downs. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Remember, the most rewarding experiences often arise from overcoming obstacles.

Fueled by passion and purpose

In conclusion, while the pursuit of freedom and financial success may kickstart our entrepreneurial journey, it's the pursuit of joy that ultimately fuels our ongoing commitment and fulfillment. By recognizing and operating from our gifts, we tap into a wellspring of joy that goes beyond money and propels us towards long-lasting success. So, let's embark on our entrepreneurial endeavors with passion, purpose, and the unwavering belief that joy is the greatest reward we can reap from doing what we love. As we say in the Den: "Big Energyyyyyyyy!"