The Paradox of Purpose for Exited Founders | MrJoe - Coach to CEOs
Channel: MrJoe: Coach to CEOs
Date: 2023-06-11

Navigating Life After Success: The Paradox of Purpose for Exited Founders

The Dream and Reality of Success

We've all daydreamed about the perfect retirement — comfortably settling down after achieving grand success and making that big exit. Yet, what happens after you've achieved that dream? The reality is that success brings with it a new set of challenges, particularly for founders who've recently exited their businesses.

Understanding Purpose: The Force That Drives Us

All of us have a purpose, don't we? It might be the shared goal with our colleagues at work, or the common objectives we strive for with our families. This purpose, this pursuit towards something, is what gets us out of bed each morning.

But what if one day, that purpose was gone? At first glance, this might sound like a relief. However, when the worries disappear, the sense of purpose often dissipates as well.

Life After Exit: Searching for New Purpose

Here's what happens to many exited founders. They invest time and money in building their dream home, dedicating themselves to fitness, and engaging with charities. They might even become advisors or board members for other businesses. Each of these pursuits provides a semblance of purpose, yet they often lead to a point where the founder starts to question their identity and purpose.

This can be a tough phase. As a neuroscientist, I can tell you that our brains require a sense of purpose to keep us moving. Losing this purpose can lead to a rather unpleasant place, proving the old adage that money can't buy everything.

The Founder's Journey: Life After Exit

A brilliant paper from Yale delves into the journey of exited founders and life on the other side of success. It discusses preparing for the post-exit journey and discovering what comes next. Unfortunately, this paper isn't widely available online, but I'd be happy to share it with you.

Reconnecting with Purpose: My Role

My work centers on founders who've made their exit and are grappling with these challenges. Providing a safe, judgment-free space to explore their thoughts and feelings, I strive to assist in finding their inner purpose anew.

Conclusion: You're Not Alone in This Journey

Remember, transitioning into life after success can be a lonely journey, but you don't have to go through it alone. Few understand what it's like to be on the other side, but rest assured that help is available. Feel free to get in touch if you're in need of tips, advice, or even if you simply need someone to talk to.

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