This article was originally published at: https://medium.com/@nadegeminois/why-every-small-business-project-needs-a-clear-why-e8a737148bd0

Here’s something that trips up a lot of small business projects:

We start doing the thing — launching the offer, redoing the website, running the event — without getting really clear on why we’re doing it.

And then, somewhere along the way, it stalls.

We lose motivation. The team gets confused. The scope creeps. Everything starts to feel harder than it should.

That’s because we skipped the most important part: clarity of purpose.

When a project has a clear, specific “why,” it becomes easier to:

• Make decisions
• Set priorities
• Say no to distractions
• Know when it’s done

The “why” gives the project direction. It tells you where you’re aiming and helps others stay aligned — whether that’s your team, your clients, or just your own brain.

Here’s what a good “why” looks like:

🟢 Clear: “We want to increase client enquiries by 30% in the next quarter.”

🔴 Vague: “We need a better website.”

The first one tells you what success looks like. The second one? It’s a recipe for endless revisions and frustration.

So, before you start your next project, pause and ask:

• What’s the real goal here?
• How will I know if it’s working?
• What happens if we don’t do this?

Write it down. Share it with anyone involved. Refer back to it when you’re stuck.

The clearer the “why,” the smoother the path.

And if you can’t find a strong reason to do the project?

Maybe it’s not the right project — or maybe it just needs a rethink.

Either way, getting clear now saves time, stress, and confusion later.