S01E08 | From Personal Health to Business Innovation: My Journey to the 'Next Big Thing'

It's been a while since I've shared an update in my 'Next Big Thing' (NBT) series. The reason for this break isn't a lack of inspiration, but quite the opposite. Over the past few months, I've been fully immersed in exploring new business directions. This intense exploration period has led to an interesting outcome: we've decided to not further develop certain ideas.

Choices and conclusions

Together with Jesse and external partners, I've delved deeply into two potential new ventures close to our hearts: the development of a new EV camper brand and establishing a venture studio focused on sustainable energy in South Africa. After a careful "lean-startup" exploration, we decided to step back from both initiatives. The decision wasn't easy but was well-considered and based on a set of validation criteria central to our entrepreneurial approach.

The 4 core questions of our (in)validation

For every new business opportunity, we ask ourselves four crucial questions in no particular order: (1) Is this a good business? (2) Is this good for the world? (3) Is this good for me? and (4) Is the timing right? Everything must align to proceed. This method helps us stay clear and objective in our decision-making process.

If you're curious about specific insights and considerations, feel free to send me a message. Sharing these experiences offers me a chance to reflect further and perhaps inspire and inform others who are on a similar path.

A breather in Patagonia

After making our decision, I opted for a break around the New Year, a time to truly take a deep breath. This took me and Marcella to the stunning Patagonia for a month full of nature and reflection. This journey led to new perspectives:

• Shifting to fewer projects at once.
• Focusing on personal health, the third direction we explored.
• Learning to listen more to my body and intuition.
• Moving from restlessness and chasing "My Next Big Thing" to more patience, trust, and openness to whatever comes my way.

Personal health as sole focus

Halting our projects, as expected, freed up more space in my agenda. This newfound freedom allowed me to not only focus more on personal health from a business perspective but also to dive deeper into it personally, fully aligned with the 'practice what you preach' adage.

I've recently started an extensive program focused on the core aspects of healthier living: strength training to enhance my physical condition, a thoughtful approach to nutrition and supplements to optimally nourish my body, adequate hydration, daily movement for a smooth operation of the body, good sleep habits for essential recovery, and attention to mental well-being to maintain mental balance.

This path to better health is a conscious choice for a life where I'm more present in my body and less caught in the whirlwind of my thoughts.

Shortly after starting my intensive health program, I begin to see positive results, not just physically, but mentally as well. This progress brings not only a sense of satisfaction but also opens my eyes to new and fascinating insights. What particularly fascinates me is discovering that the challenges and breakthroughs I experience on my path to personal health are surprisingly applicable to my quest for the 'Next Big Thing' in my business life.

Clear direction with focus on progress

On my health journey, I'm learning the importance of having a clear goal and focusing mainly on every small win. Each success, no matter how minor, feels like a high-five to myself, just like every step forward in my work. It shows me how enjoyable it is to focus on progress, not just the ultimate goal. This keeps me motivated and ensures I enjoy what I do, step by step.

Structure and consistency

Routine not only keeps me fit but also aids my search for the "next big thing." Without a fixed structure and the drive to show up every day, I'd get nowhere. It's amazing how this routine actually gives me more freedom because I know I'm on the right path. It teaches me to trust the process and not deviate from my plan. This rhythm is the springboard for everything I do, whether it's working out or pursuing business goals.

Patience and dedication

Being patient is super important, whether I'm working on getting fitter or on my work. Things just need time to grow, and there's no quick path. This has truly taught me to take it easy and trust that hard work will eventually lead to something beautiful. "Keep showing up" is the only way to get there.

Embracing failure

You know that saying: the road to success is paved with failures. Such a cliché, but oh so true. Just like in strength training, where you push your muscles to failure to make them stronger. Failure is a sort of superpower.

And let's be honest, it's nearly inhuman to stick to the prescribed "regime" every day, without exception. So, what do you do when you slip up, take that cheat day (or rather, enjoy day)? Do you think you've completely failed and give up, let everything drop and sink further? Or do you see it as a learning moment, shake it off and pick up where you left off?

It's not the stumbling that counts, but how you get back up. Do you give up after a setback, or do you learn from it and move forward with renewed strength? The same goes for business. Stopping those projects wasn't the end. It was a lesson, a moment to reflect on what works and what doesn't, and then to move forward with more focus and strength. Failure? Perhaps. But even more so, a step towards ultimate success.

And onwards...

As I continue with my health program, I find it fascinating how these personal struggles and successes show parallels with my business ventures. This journey, filled with determination, adaptability, and support, inspires me daily and leads me to new heights, both personally and professionally. It's an adventure I embrace with open arms and a smile, ready to discover what comes my way.