I am in the midst of planning a new venture and what I typically do during this phase is conduct open research while I brainstorm and design.  As part of this procrastination research, I came across a marketing video that asked a very pointed question: What’s missing in your life that having a successful business will deliver?

I’ve built other successful businesses and worked on many new projects before, but this time around the power of this query really did make me hit pause (figuratively and literally). What is it that I really want from a new business that I don’t have in my life now? (As it turned out, the answer the speaker was probing for was a financial one – i.e., how much money are you missing in your life that upping your game can provide?)

I liked my interpretation better so went with that. My simple answer was that I am grateful for my current life but that I feel a deep-down desire to up the level of meaning in my professional work exponentially. …by making a bigger and more positive difference in the lives of others…helping to ensure that everyone has an opportunity no matter their current life circumstances…creating…using my talents to contribute…having influence in the “big picture” stuff that I truly and deeply care about… There were other factors too –  continuing to be energized by my work… new travel experiences…and yes, increased financial freedom.

So, how about you? I’d love to hear your answers to this question in the comments below.

What’s missing in your life that you want to gain by starting a new business venture or growing your existing one?