Finding my Why

Have you ever felt like you’re giving everything to your business, only to find there’s nothing left for yourself? Recently, I had a pivotal conversation with a client facing this exact challenge. As a dedicated business owner, she was giving her all to her clients but had nothing left in the tank for herself. This imbalance led to urgent tax issues that needed immediate attention. Overwhelmed and ready to give up, she reached out, wanting to give up on resolving the matter right now and push it off once again.

But we didn’t give up. I offered an alternative strategy that would allow us to tackle the issue head-on, despite the challenges. During our conversation (see below, in Papiamentu), she thanked me for giving her the hope she needed to push through. She had been anxious for a long time but finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel. I shared with her that I felt it was important to push through in this moment, because this was going to bring her peace and that was important. There was a price to pay. She had to cancel her plans for the night and pull a late night but was ready to confront the situation and get things handled.

The late-night effort she was about to make wasn’t just about fixing a tax problem; it was about reclaiming her peace of mind.

On my end, I rallied my team to prioritize this case, ensuring we were ready to handle the necessary filings by the deadline. This client interaction reaffirmed to me why I do what I do.

What is my Why???????

I was asked by a business coach once: What is your why?

When I started my business, it was in the middle of a pandemic. We were all living in uncertain times, a lot of us scared and anxious. Once I overcame my doubts and fears and decided to actually pursue entrepreneurship, I experienced the same feelings. Not only with regard to the pandemic but being a business owner. How would I actually do this? Would I get clients? Would I make enough to pay my bills? Those first months, I was very anxious.

But with the chaos of starting my business in the pandemic there was a silver lining. Everything had stopped and slowed down. I had time to think about what I really needed and what I wanted this journey of entrepreneurship to look and feel like. I realized that what I firstly really needed was rest. I needed time to fully process what this shift meant for me. And in that season is where I defined what entrepreneurship would mean for me. I want it to bring me peace of mind.

The reality of achieving peace of mind

Don’t get me wrong. Peace of mind doesn’t mean having no worries or an easy road. It means taking the time and having the courage to confront a situation, to examine what is needed in that season and taking the actionable steps to fulfil those needs. In some seasons it will be rest, other seasons it means going hard and in a different season it means to reflect and recalibrate.?

It was also during that first year of business that the slower pace of life during the pandemic helped me define what we offer as a business. Yes, we offer tailored tax solutions, provide practical advice and help you stay on track with your tax obligations. But that is not our why.

I already had a name for the business: Equilibrium, reflecting balance. But it was that first year of business that that brought me to our slogan: Giving you peace of mind!

At that time, that message was mostly driven by my own experience and needs. But now years later I had the realization that I can now also see our why back in our clients’ experiences.

We help business owners get clarity and peace of mind.

A full circle moment. That feeling of an aha moment, allowing you to exhale and be able to drop your shoulders...it’s priceless.

Your Turn: What is Your Why?

So, what’s your ‘why’? How do you ensure that your business or career aligns with it? I’d love to hear your stories—drop a comment below and let’s discuss.

Maybe you’re in a season of having to push through to see that light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t give up. Make the decision today that will benefit the you of tomorrow. You deserve that.