Start With Your “Where”—Not Just Your Work
Starting with the end in mind or defining your “Where” will prevent heartache in the long run.
Too many entrepreneurs get caught up in the daily grind—putting in blood, sweat, and tears—only to realize that the market doesn’t reward effort; it rewards value.
Here’s the reality:
• The market doesn’t care how much time, energy, or emotion you’ve poured into your business.
• Blood, sweat, and tears don’t translate to dollars unless they create real market value.
• The Endowment Effect (overvaluing what you’ve built because it’s yours) can cause you to expect a return the market won’t reflect.
This is why starting with your “Where” is crucial. It forces you to build with strategy, not just effort.
Misplaced Value in the Marketplace
Entrepreneurs often overvalue their businesses emotionally and undervalue what actually matters to buyers, investors, or the market.
• You might think your business is worth a million dollars because of the time you put in.
• The market will only care if your business is profitable, scalable, and transferable.
• If you ever plan to sell, scale, or automate your business, your emotional attachment won’t be a factor—only its tangible value will.
Define Your “Where” and Build Toward It
Instead of grinding endlessly, step back and ask yourself:
“Where do I see my business in the next five to ten years?”
Now, what changes do you need to make today to reach that target?
Using the The Where Factor framework, let’s break this down:
1. Where Are You Going?
• Do you want to sell your business?
• Do you want it to run without you?
• Do you want it to be a generational asset?
2. Why Does This Matter?
• Because your effort doesn’t equal success—strategy does.
• Because if you don’t define your end goal, you’ll build something that traps you instead of frees you.
• Because the market rewards systems, profits, and efficiency—not just passion.
3. What Should You Be Doing Today?
• Build systems that allow your business to operate without you.
• Focus on creating real, measurable value that the market recognizes.
• Learn to separate emotional attachment from financial reality.
The Business Perspective
Your business strategy ties directly to your core needs as an entrepreneur:
1. Safety & Security: A scalable, sellable, or automated business provides long-term stability.
2. Esteem Needs: Building a business with value, not just effort, gives you confidence in its success.
3. Self-Actualization: True entrepreneurship is about freedom, not just work. You should be building something that allows you to live life on your terms.
Define Your “Where” Today
Take a moment and reflect:
1. Where do you want your business to be in 5-10 years?
2. What changes do you need to make TODAY to get there?
3. Are you building a business that can survive without you—or are you just building yourself another job?
Because the market won’t care about your hard work—it will care about your business’s real, measurable value.
Drop a comment below—what’s one change you’re making today to align your business with your long-term “Where”?
Key Takeaway
“Your ‘Where’ defines your success—not just your work. Build with the future in mind, and you’ll create something the market actually values.”
“Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”
Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:
📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.
📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.
– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:
www.TheChrisChaney.com 
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