What Is Your Why?
"Every character is asking: 'What's my place? Why am I here?' I don't want the answer to be 'Just because.' You find your own purpose. Each finds the reasons to be here and contribute."...Sharon Creech
I'm pretty sure everybody would agree that in order to achieve anything in life you have to give forth a certain amount of effort. And it stands to reason that the more effort you put forth, the more you'll get in return. As the saying goes: "Hard work pays off." The secret sauce behind your very best effort however, is knowing what motivates you. It's knowing the answer to the question: "What is your WHY?"
Everybody has reasons behind whatever it is that they choose to do in this world. Based on everything I've learned from knowing, observing, and studying high achievers, all of them have a very clearly defined WHY behind their tremendous efforts and achievements. Having a very clearly defined and compelling reason WHY is a prerequisite to success. It will provide you with the extra motivation and desire that you need to overcome the challenges and obstacles that you are sure to encounter in pursuit of your goals.
Your WHY is usually personal and deep rooted. Often...but not always...a person's WHY originates from a place of pain. It may be that a person has hit rock bottom in a situation and they made a promise to themselves that they were going to make a substantial change. It may be stemming from a type of loss that one suffered, or that one possibly faces if strong action isn't taken. Or it could be that a person recognizes a special talent or skill that they possess, and are challenging themselves to become the all time best at something. They realize that they owe it to themselves to self optimize. Or it could be that somebody's WHY is very altruistic. The reason they do their best and give it their all is for other people. To provide for them. Once again, your reason is personal. I mean, of course you can share it with other people, but it comes from within...it's something that you don't have to justify to others. It's something that has deep meaning to you, and that you feel passionate about. It could be connected to a big dream you have.
I would advocate writing your WHY down on paper and connecting it to your goals. Don't just write it down, but review it several times a day...especially in demanding moments. This can serve as an excellent source of motivation. For example if you're a salesman you could write "I want to be the number one salesman in my district by the end of this year in order to give my family the dream vacation in Europe that they always wanted." That's something specific...it's tied to a goal...and the why is clearly stated. It's to deliver pleasure to this salesman's family. His/her WHY is stemming from something altruistic...although I'm sure the emotional payoff is pretty big for themselves also if they can pull it off. A win win situation for sure!
The very most powerful WHY's are when we have them for what we consider our life's purpose. We can find the drive within ourselves to accomplish anything we desire with a calling such as this. The life we live should have meaning, and with meaning comes deep purpose. It's impossible to separate the two. It is no small wonder that many peoples life purpose centers around serving others. To contribute to the betterment of the human condition. The "SELFLESS WHY'S." I am convinced that this is the Secret Sauce to the 10th power! If you've never given serious thought towards what your lifes purpose is...if you feel that your life has no meaning...than perhaps some serious spiritual and self inspection is necessary. We all have a purpose. Every single one of us.
Until the next time...
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