Stop Searching Outward: How to Find Your Business Framework Within
“What am I supposed to do with my life?”
This question followed me like a shadow, lingering in the background with a weight I couldn’t quite shake.
In my early years, I watched as others seemed to follow pre-defined paths with certainty: teachers, doctors, accountants, designers. Their lives seemed orderly, mapped out with clear job descriptions that gave them direction.
But for me, none of those molds seemed to fit. No matter how much I tried to force myself into one, I always felt a sense of misalignment—as if I was destined for something I couldn’t yet define.
It wasn’t for lack of effort. I searched relentlessly. I pursued psychology, spirituality, health, business—looking for healing, meaning, and answers as to why I felt so different. Why nothing seemed to stick.
I tried many tactics and strategies only to feel the sting of disappointment time and again. The paths that seemed to worked for others didn’t work for me.
And then something shifted.
The Age of the Internet: A New Opportunity, A New Challenge
We live in an era unlike any other. The internet has obliterated the rigid molds of traditional career paths, opening doors for new ways of working. Opportunities to create your own framework—your own version of work—are more plentiful than ever.
At first, this seems freeing. Exciting, even. You don’t have to fit into someone else’s job description. You can carve out your own.
But here’s the catch: While the external landscape has changed, most of us are still stuck in the old mindset. We’re conditioned to look outward for answers. We search for tactics, strategies, and formulas, hoping to find the blueprint for success.
What I’ve learned, though, is this: The foundational work isn’t “out there.” It’s within.
If you’re trying to create something that doesn’t exist yet, something truly your own, the first step isn’t to gather more information. It’s to look inward and uncover your story—the unique blend of experiences, gifts, and values that shape who you are.
Why the Framework Starts With Your Story
For a long time, I believed I was failing because I couldn’t make the tactics work. I thought I needed more skills, more knowledge, more expertise.
But what I was really missing wasn’t external at all.
I was missing the clarity that comes from knowing your story—intimately.
Your story is more than just a narrative. It’s your framework. It’s what sets you apart, informs your decisions, and guides how you show up in the world.
For example, I used to think of myself as “just” a photographer. But as I dug deeper into my story, I realized that photography was simply one of my tools. My real passion was about connection, clarity, and helping others uncover their own identity.
That shift changed everything.
It wasn’t about niching down or finding the perfect tactic. Those things came naturally once I understood my story.
The Inward-Outward Shift
When you know your story, something profound happens:
You stop trying to fit into pre-defined boxes.
You stop emulating others and start trusting your unique gifts.
You realize your values aren’t abstract—they’re your superpower.
And from that place of clarity, everything flows more naturally.
The process of defining your story and your framework might feel less tangible at first. It’s quieter work. It’s not about quick wins or instant gratification.
But it’s the kind of work that lasts. It’s the foundation that gives you confidence and direction. It’s what allows you to create a business—and a life—that feels deeply aligned.
A Different Way Forward
If you’re feeling stuck, unsure of what to do next, I want to encourage you to pause.
Instead of looking outward, start by looking inward. Ask yourself:
What experiences have shaped me?
What values drive me?
What gifts and skills come naturally to me?
Your story holds the answers you’re searching for. It’s not just a map for your business—it’s a compass for your life.
The internet has given us the freedom to build businesses that don’t fit into traditional molds. But to truly stand out, we need to embrace what makes us unique.
That starts with understanding our story.
The Pursuit of Purpose Is Worth It
Finding your purpose isn’t easy. It’s messy, nonlinear, and deeply personal. But when you uncover your story, you’ll find that it’s been guiding you all along.
So, if you’re in the thick of it right now, wondering why nothing seems to fit, I’ll leave you with this:
Stop searching for someone else’s blueprint.
Start creating your own.
Your story is the foundation. Everything else builds from there.