👋 Hey there!

🚅 This is issue #40 of The Double E Bullet where I share two action-packed bullets to help you elevate your entrepreneurial journey and take you from founder to fearless leader.

BULLET ONE
​🚀 Defining Your Vision 🚀

A common theme that I see in my 1:1 coaching sessions is entrepreneurs being weary of working on the mission statement, especially their vision.

When I started my own entrepreneurial adventure in 2010, I must confess that I was so caught up in the day-to-day tasks that I ignored to look at the bigger picture. I didn’t have a 5-year plan, a 10-year plan, or even a clear vision for my business.

But let me tell you, once I had that “Aha!” moment, everything changed.

And today, I’m here to help you change, too.

First things first, let’s demystify what vision really means. It’s not just some fancy jargon thrown around boardrooms or in some cases, phrases on expensively designed PowerPoint slides. It’s the North Star that guides a business ship through uncharted waters. The founder’s vision is that epic dream, that ideal state they want to see their business reach in the next 10 or 20 years. It’s not always about numbers or metrics—it’s also about painting a vivid, inspiring image of what the business can become.

If you haven’t defined your vision or haven’t taken a look at it in a while, here are a few questions to ponder:

1. Where are you headed? Think about your own personal growth as an entrepreneur. What kind of impact do you want to make in the world? What legacy do you want to leave behind? Dream big, my friend.
2. Where is your business headed? Envision the future trajectory of your business. How will it disrupt the industry? What problems will it solve? Let your imagination run wild and imagine the possibilities.
3. What does the future look like? Close your eyes and visualize your business thriving in its ideal state. What do you see? What does success mean to you? Paint that picture with vivid colors and intricate details.

If those questions feel a bit overwhelming, start by thinking about what you want from your business. Whether it’s creating a positive impact on your community or building a global empire, write it down. Remember, this is your canvas, and you’re the artist.

Now, here’s where the magic happens. Embrace ambitious thinking. Let your imagination soar higher than the clouds. Don’t confine yourself to the realm of what’s possible—venture into the realm of what’s seemingly impossible and don’t let the operational and execution side of things hold you back.

Ambitious thinking is the fuel that propels you beyond boundaries and limitations. It’s the spark that ignites innovation and drives you to achieve the extraordinary. I interviewed Jen Blandos on the Elevated Entrepreneur Podcast some time ago about the magic of thinking big and would love for you to take a listen to help inspire some ambitious thinking on your part.

BULLET TWO
📚 Think Again by Adam Grant 📚

In the spirit of Thinking Big, a book I read that helped me immensely is Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant.

In this eye-opening read, Adam talks about embracing our inner skeptic and breaking free from the shackles of stubborn beliefs. He’s all about intellectual humility, which basically means being open to changing our minds and considering different perspectives. The core of this book is the ability to rethink and unlearn.

Adam urges you to remember the tools you need to rethink your plans, answers, and decisions. It’s a valuable skill to have.

What I liked the most is that Adam uses the Thinking Big concept to tap into our wild imaginations and dream big with a playful sense of curiosity. Think of it as unleashing your inner child and letting your imagination run wild on a playground of ideas.

Together with some fascinating stories and hardcore research, he shows us how ambitious thinking can lead to mind-blowing discoveries, innovative solutions, and groundbreaking ideas that make people go, “Wow, that’s genius!”

If you’re feeling a bit stuck with your business vision like I was, grab a copy and head to your favorite coffee shop; I am certain the book will unleash your inner ambitious thinker.

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🧨 DHIREN’S UPDATES 🧨

Over the past two months, I’ve embarked on a training regimen for an upcoming triathlon event in October. It’s been quite a journey, transforming from a self-proclaimed couch potato to someone tackling two workouts a day. Let me tell you, it’s been intense and utterly exhausting. But amidst the sweat and fatigue, there’s one nagging thought that keeps popping into my mind, especially during those early morning sessions: “Why on earth am I doing this to myself?”

This thought hit me the hardest when I found myself pedaling under the scorching sun, attempting my longest cycling ride of 60 kilometers in a blistering 38 degrees Celsius. It was in that grueling moment that it dawned on me—this feeling of uncertainty and exhaustion was eerily reminiscent of when I first embarked on my entrepreneurial journey.

Now, I want to share this story with you, my fellow dream-chasers, as a reminder that it’s absolutely okay to have those moments of doubt. Thinking big is crucial, but let’s face it, it can also be overwhelming.

When we have these monumental dreams that seem insurmountable, breaking them down into smaller, manageable chunks can work wonders. Think of it as climbing a mountain. It’s exhilarating to set your sights on that magnificent peak, but standing at the foot of it, the enormity can be paralyzing.

That’s why we need to take it one step at a time.

Start with small milestones, little victories that build confidence and momentum. These tiny steps may not always seem significant in the grand scheme of things, but trust me, they lay the foundation for something extraordinary.

Just as in training for a triathlon, where every workout and every mile counts, every small accomplishment in your entrepreneurial journey matters. It’s these incremental wins that add up to create something magnificent. It may not always make sense in the moment, but rest assured, it will all come together, like the pieces of a puzzle falling into place.

So, my friends, let’s embrace the power of breaking things down into manageable pieces. Let’s set ambitious goals but remember to tackle them step by step. When the road ahead feels overwhelming, take a moment to breathe, regroup, and focus on the next manageable chunk. By doing so, we build resilience, conquer self-doubt, and transform seemingly insurmountable dreams into beautiful realities.

Remember, the journey towards greatness is not a sprint, but a marathon. Each stride forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to that finish line. So lace up your metaphorical shoes, keep your eye on the prize, and let the magic unfold as you conquer that big mountain, one step at a time.

Photo of me after finishing the 60 km ride

That’s all for this edition! What was your favorite bullet?