Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: Obedience Over Outcome ("OOO")
Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: Why True Success Is About Obedience Over Outcome
As both a founder and investor, I’m constantly inspired by entrepreneurs who relentlessly work on game-changing products. But more than that, I admire those who stay true to their values—building not just for exits or capital, but for real, lasting impact.
At its core, entrepreneurship isn’t about the pursuit of wealth. It’s about obedience to your convictions—what I call “OOO” (Obedience Over Outcome). And when you pair that with a “PPP” mindset (Passionate Pursuit with Purpose), the results speak for themselves. Anything less, and you risk getting distracted by the noise of the market. As Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."
Here’s where I see many founders get off track:
Entrepreneurs today are often lured away from their zone of genius by the pressure to chase funding. While capital has its place, it doesn’t create anything by itself. Focusing solely on raising money can distort your purpose. I've fallen into this trap myself, thinking, “I need money to create.” But in reality, creation comes from within—it’s free. Hebrews 11:1reminds us, "Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Some of my best ideas have come not from investor meetings or pitch decks, but from grabbing a pen, sitting with a blank sheet of paper, and letting myself think. No money involved, just deep thought. That’s where breakthroughs happen—whether it’s a new product, a strategy tweak, or solving a complex UX problem. It’s the process of creating space for your own genius, and it costs nothing but time and focus. It’s about aligning your actions with your deeper purpose, and that’s where the idea of "work is worship" comes in. As Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
Ask yourself: Are you building for an outcome or an exit?
If you’re only building for an exit, you’re playing a selfish game. But if you’re building for an outcome—a real, meaningful result—you’re in it for the right reasons. The entrepreneurs who change the world are the ones who forge new paths, who serve others through their work, and who remain consistent even when short-term rewards aren’t guaranteed. Proverbs 21:5 says, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance."
This isn’t about performance metrics or external validation. It’s about advancing your vision, even when the journey is uncertain. The degree to which you remain committed to your purpose will determine your long-term success—whether that’s in the impact you leave behind, the people you uplift, or the legacy you build. Matthew 25:21 echoes this: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things."
Why does this matter, on a macro scale?
The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in human DNA. Despite the capital disadvantages many face globally, I’ve seen firsthand (in over 50 countries) how people overcome obstacles through sheer willpower and creativity. The true power of entrepreneurship lies in its ability to generate value not just for a select few, but for entire communities.
But here’s the key: We need to rethink how we define success. Instead of simply competing for wealth or market share, we should be building systems that elevate others along the way. Can there be a way to be a capitalist, a builder, and an altruist at the same time? I believe so. Galatians 5:13 reminds us, "Serve one another humbly in love."
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Entrepreneurship as an act of creation: 'Work is worship'
In many ways, the act of building a business mirrors the original act of creation. As entrepreneurs, we are driven to make something out of nothing, to solve problems, and to add value to the world. But when we do this with purpose, when we build not just for profit but from a place of passion, we tap into something far greater. It’s what I consider true work as worship. Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we were created in God’s image, and as creators, we reflect that image. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, "We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works."
So, to all the entrepreneurs out there:
If you wake up every day excited to create, if you’re building not just for an exit but for the joy of the game itself—you’re already winning. The key to long-term success is steadfastness. Not time. Not performance metrics. But consistency in pursuing your passion with purpose.
I’m proud to continue building a business with this mindset—focused on finding and funding great people, great ideas, and great breakthroughs. Entrepreneurship isn’t just a way to make money; it’s a way to make an impact, to leave the world better than we found it.
Let’s stay true to that. Let’s build something that lasts.
PS: I’m currently on a flight to #Turkey, where I’ll be working on a white paper for Napkin Inc. There's over 300M businesses in the world and only 30K have IPO liquidity. So, we’re ideating to conduct the world’s largest roll-up, and put it on the blockchain to give great founders access to liquidity for growth, and the rest of the world the ability to get involved. If you're into #blockchain and/or are in the area or have cool recommendations , hit me up in the comments or DM!
A quick note on faith:
I know I’m sharing biblical references, but this isn’t about pushing a religious agenda. Whether you share my beliefs or not, what truly matters is the God in us, the hope of Glory that gives us the strength to pursue life with purpose. I've made friends from all around the world, with different faiths, from India to Kuwait to Rapa Nui, and I deeply respect them all. There is much to learn, and with so much division in the world, the last thing I want is to add to it. My goal is to encourage, not alienate. No matter what faith or belief system you come from, I believe we all have God in us, and a deeper drive that pushes us toward meaning and creation.
Bible References about work, faith, inheritance, seeking God, and more related to this article:
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Founder & HoBD @Devxhub → Delivering Cost-Effective Software Development Solutions | Empowering Business Growth with Dedicated Teams | Driving Innovation, Efficiency & Results
1 个月Matthew Cook Liberto. This is a powerful message for all entrepreneurs! ?? Purpose-driven entrepreneurship is so important, and prioritizing obedience over outcomes can lead to meaningful success. At Developer eXperience Hub, we embrace this mindset in our web & app development and ChatGPT integration projects, focusing on impactful solutions for our clients. #Entrepreneurship #PurposeDriven #DEVxHUB
People-centered Critical Infrastructure Supply Chain Development
1 个月Yes, is not life more joyous when we can do everything out of love for others? Then the entrepreneur within each of us can be highly motivated and open to ways for some of those actions to become financially self-sustaining so that our works of love can become longer lasting.
Hey Matthew! Your words deeply resonate. As entrepreneurs, it's easy to get caught up in the outcome, but true success lies in obedience to purpose and the unwavering pursuit of impact. Building with values, not just capital, is where lasting change happens. Thank you for this profound reminder that our work is more than a transaction—it's a reflection of our convictions.
CFO at Napkin Inc
1 个月Well said!!