According to a 2023 article by HubSpot, over 90% of startups fail. That means 9 out of 10 entrepreneurs who take the leap to start their own businesses are not going to succeed with that venture. The reasons for this statistic are complex and varied: lack of funding, market misalignment, or poor execution, to name a few. But today, let’s look at one factor that often gets overlooked: purpose.
Specifically, how your version of purpose can play a decisive role in whether your startup thrives or collapses.
The Two Types of Purpose
Purpose, when it comes to startups (and life), can be categorized into two types:
- Big P Purpose: This is the audacious, goal-oriented purpose. It’s the pursuit of massive success, like creating a seven-figure business, becoming a billionaire, or achieving widespread recognition. Big P Purpose is rooted in external outcomes—impact, legacy, and money. While it’s inspiring, it’s also elusive and often dependent on factors outside your control, such as timing, market conditions, and sheer luck.
- Little p Purpose: In contrast, little p purpose is process oriented. It’s about finding joy and fulfillment in the day-to-day tasks of building your business. It’s not tied to whether you hit the jackpot but rather focuses on doing work that excites and energizes you. Little p purpose is abundant, attainable, and inherently satisfying.
The type of purpose you pursue can have a profound impact on your startup’s journey—and its ultimate outcome.
Why Big P Purpose Can Derail Your Startup
Many founders start their entrepreneurial journey chasing Big P Purpose. They’re fueled by visions of massive impact, financial success, and transformative innovation. But this pursuit can put your business at risk in several critical ways:
- Burnout
When your purpose is entirely tied to a lofty goal, it’s easy to lose sight of the daily grind that comes with building a startup. Big P Purpose focuses on the destination, not the journey—and that’s where the danger lies.
Startups are filled with highs and lows, successes and setbacks. If the process doesn’t light you up, those inevitable challenges can lead to burnout long before you reach your goal. You’ll find it harder to stay motivated during tough times, making it more likely you’ll quit before you succeed.
On the other hand, little p purpose—enjoying the process—acts as a safeguard against burnout. When the work itself excites you, you’re more likely to persevere, even when the odds are stacked against you.
- Long Hours
Let’s face it: startups demand long, grueling hours. Many founders work 60 to 80 hours a week, sacrificing weekends, evenings, and personal time.
If you’re driven solely by Big P Purpose, those long hours can feel like drudgery. You’ll find it harder to summon the stamina to push through, especially when progress is slow or the results aren’t immediate.
But when you’re aligned with little p purpose, the long hours become more tolerable—even enjoyable. You’re doing work that lights you up, and that passion fuels you through late nights and early mornings.
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- Inspiration and Collaboration
Startups are rarely a solo effort. Whether you’re leading a team or collaborating with co-founders, your ability to inspire and work well with others is critical to success.
When you’re chasing Big P Purpose, it’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing solely on the end goal, neglecting the process and energy you bring to the table. This can make it harder to inspire others or build meaningful collaborations.
In contrast, pursuing little p purpose makes you more engaged and enthusiastic about your work. That energy is contagious—like a moth to a flame, people are drawn to your excitement. They’ll want to collaborate, share their expertise, and learn from you. Inspiration flows naturally when you’re genuinely lit up by what you’re doing.
- Money Isn’t Your Why
Let’s be honest—most people get into startups hoping for financial success. But if money is your only why, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
Why? Because startups are unpredictable. Even with the best business model and execution, there’s no guarantee of a big payout. If your sole focus is on achieving Big P Purpose, you’re likely to feel lost and frustrated when things don’t go according to plan.
Little p purpose, however, shifts the focus. It’s about finding meaning and enjoyment in the process itself. Even if your startup doesn’t hit its financial goals, you can still walk away feeling fulfilled and proud of the work you’ve done.
A Final Thought: Redefining Success
Success in the startup world is often defined by external metrics—revenue, market share, and valuation. But those metrics are fleeting.
By aligning with little p purpose, you redefine success on your own terms. You focus on the work that lights you up, the collaborations that inspire you, and the joy of building something meaningful.
And here’s the irony: when you focus on little p purpose, the big wins often follow. Your energy, enthusiasm, and dedication create the conditions for success, whether it’s financial, personal, or professional.
Conclusion
If your startup is failing—or if you’re feeling burned out—it’s worth asking yourself: Are you chasing the wrong type of purpose?
Big P Purpose might look impressive, but it’s often unsustainable. Little p purpose, on the other hand, is abundant, accessible, and fulfilling. By focusing on the process, you’re not only more likely to enjoy the journey—you’re also more likely to succeed.
So, take a step back. Reevaluate your why. And remember: It’s not just about the destination. It’s about finding joy in the climb.
