What We Hate Can Lead Us To Find Our Purpose

by | Design a Business You Love Podcast, Finding Purpose


In today’s episode of the “Design a Business You Love” podcast, we delve into the intriguing concept of how what we hate can ultimately lead us to our true purpose and passion in life and business.

I share my journey of discovering how what I hate ultimately led me to my true purpose and passion in life and business. Let’s clarify from the start that when I talk about hate, I’m referring to the tasks and aspects of my business that I dislike, not people or groups. Join me as I explore the transformative power of embracing what I dislike and learn how it can help us design a business we truly love

Discovering Passion and Purpose

Designing a business I love began with determining my passion and purpose. I drew inspiration from the incredible story of Helen Keller, who overcame immense challenges and dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of those with disabilities. By reflecting on what I disliked in the world, I discovered a desire to make a difference and contribute positively. Whether it’s fighting injustice, supporting causes, or improving lives, acknowledging what I hate became the starting point for my journey of self-discovery.

Examples of Transformation


Looking at the experiences of others who have transformed their businesses by addressing what they hated provided me with valuable insights. Take the story of John and Bert Jacobs, the founders of Life is Good. They started with a simple t-shirt business that spread messages of optimism. By recognizing what they disliked in their previous work and embracing their love for spreading positivity, they turned their business into a global company that inspires hope and contributes to children in need. Their story showed me the power of aligning a business with one’s true purpose.

Personal Experiences


I embarked on my own journey of redesigning my business by confronting what I hated. Corporate life brought frustrations like office politics, petty arguments, and limited time with my children. I knew I wanted to create a business that aligned with my values and allowed me to prioritize what truly mattered. Recognizing my growing frustration with the podcasting process, I made a conscious decision to shift my focus. Now, my podcast primarily consists of solo episodes, alleviating the stress of lining up guests. This change enabled me to focus on my main goal: helping others design businesses they love.

Embracing Dislikes as a Path to Passion

Acknowledging what I disliked about my previous work and current business became a vital step in uncovering my true passions and desires. It wasn’t just about identifying what drained my energy or the tasks I struggled with; it was also about recognizing my natural weaknesses. Embracing these dislikes provided essential information to shape my business around what I genuinely love.


The Adventure of Finding Our Purpose

Discovering my true purpose has been an adventure filled with twists and turns. Along the way, I encountered obstacles, but I refused to let them deter me. By using what I disliked as a compass, I navigated a fulfilling, purpose-driven path. Asking myself probing questions about what I currently hate about my business, the tasks I dislike, and the ones that drain my energy allowed me to make conscious choices and prioritize my passions.

What We Hate Can Lead Us To Find Our Purpose


Embracing what I hate has led me to my true purpose in business. By understanding my dislikes and transforming them into opportunities for growth and change, I have designed a business I genuinely love. The journey of finding passion and purpose is unique to each individual, but we can all benefit from reflecting on what we dislike and using it as a guide toward a more fulfilling and purposeful business and life. So, let’s embrace what we hate and embark on this adventure together, unlocking hidden treasures within ourselves and designing businesses we truly love.