Four stages of life emerge in my coaching with entrepreneurs like us. We can spiral in and out of these stages but all entrepreneurs go through them. They enrich our lives, and they prepare us for enjoying the next. They are: the Foundation, the Rewards, the Contributions, and the Inner Journey.
Foundation Stage: Getting the business going and profitable, and establishing our secure family and home. This provides us with security we need to strive to the next level.
Rewards: Now we need to reward ourselves for our discipline and hard work. By receiving toys and nice experiences, we motivate ourselves to the next level.
Contribution: Once we’ve got stability and had some fun with our toys, we’re ready to contribute to community. And entrepreneurs are great at solving human and community problems that others are challenged with. And this is fun: whether serving on the school board or creating a charity with a purpose. We find this rewarding at this stage.
Inner Journey: inevitably we humans seek deeper meaning at some stage in our lives. We take a turn inwards. This can happen at any stage, and the rewards are huge. Often the biggest obstacles in business are faced with an inner journey. Here’s an invitation and a challenge.