Twitter/X Handle
@ozolinsjanis
Twitter/X Link
Website Link
The Ultimate Test for a Great Project: Would You Love to Do It Anyway?
As leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators, we constantly face decisions about where to direct our time, energy, and resources. Projects come and go—some succeed, some fail—but what truly defines a great project? The answer lies not in its outcome, but in your willingness to pursue it regardless of success or failure.
The illustration shared above beautifully encapsulates this philosophy. It presents a simple yet profound framework for evaluating a project. It asks two key questions:
- What if it fails?
- What if it succeeds?
And then, it delivers the ultimate litmus test: “Irrelevant. I’d love to do it.”
Passion Over Outcome
At its core, this idea highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation. When you’re deeply passionate about a project, the fear of failure or the allure of success takes a backseat. Instead, what drives you is the process—the learning, creating, and experimenting that make the journey worthwhile.
When you’re truly invested in a project, the outcome becomes secondary. This doesn’t mean you ignore strategy or planning, but it does mean that your primary motivation stems from a love for the work itself.
Why This Mindset Matters for Leaders and Entrepreneurs
Many entrepreneurs and leaders get caught in a results-driven mindset, focusing solely on metrics, market validation, and profitability. While these are undeniably important, they shouldn’t be the only factors driving your decision-making.
Here’s why embracing this mindset can transform your approach to projects:
- Resilience Through Failure: Projects fail—it’s an inevitable reality of business. But when you genuinely love what you’re doing, failure doesn’t feel like the end. Instead, it becomes a stepping stone to greater learning and growth.
- Authentic Innovation: Passion fuels creativity. When you’re working on something you love, you’re more likely to push boundaries, take risks, and innovate in ways that resonate with your audience or customers.
- Team Alignment: Your enthusiasm is contagious. When your team sees your genuine excitement for a project, they’re more likely to rally behind it, bringing their best ideas and energy to the table.
- Sustainable Energy: Burnout is a real concern for entrepreneurs and leaders. Pursuing projects you love ensures that you remain energized and motivated, even during challenging times.
Applying This Framework
Before committing to a new project, ask yourself these questions:
- If it fails, will I still be proud of the effort I put in?
- If it succeeds, will it align with my values and vision?
- Most importantly, would I love doing it regardless of the outcome?
If the answer to the last question is a resounding yes, you’ve likely found a project worth pursuing.
Final Thoughts
In a world obsessed with results, this framework serves as a refreshing reminder to focus on the joy of creation and the love of the process. Whether you’re launching a startup, building a product, or leading a new initiative, let passion and purpose guide your decisions.
After all, the best projects aren’t just the ones that succeed—they’re the ones you’d love to do, no matter what. - Lead Visually
Visuals created by
_(1).jpg?table=block&id=7601be96-c054-4ae2-8bb7-ec6939b152ed&cache=v2)
