“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.”
— attributed to Mark Twain
In staying connected to your “why” I’m referring to our purpose in life. Like most people, I’m sure you already had a sense of purpose that gave your life meaning and direction.
Understanding your “why” usually begins with a passion for using the gifts and talents that come most naturally to you.
Margie Warrell notes, “German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche once said, “He who has a why can endure any how.” Knowing your why is an important first step in figuring out how to achieve the goals that excite you and create a life you enjoy living (versus merely surviving!).”
Your purpose and your “why” are synonymous. Functioning in your “why” is also called playing to your strengths. When working from your “why,” you’re most motivated and more productive, your work is of higher quality, and your outcomes are more rewarding.
How To Identify Your “Why”
John C. Maxwell says, “Once you find your why, you will be able to find your way. Why is your purpose.”
Far too many people never intentionally pursue their “why” as a career path; they spend twenty or more years in an occupation looking forward to retirement to enjoy what they truly love - their hobbies. In many cases, those hobbies become a second career.
Most people I’ve spoken to loved their hobby more than their career, expressing how they wished it could’ve been their career, Not realizing they were designed to earn a living from what they saw as their hobby.
Identifying your “why” is simple as long as you’re honest with yourself. Take note of three factors; what are you naturally good at? What do you honestly care about? Why do you care so much about it?
Psychologist Jill Suttie remarks, “The why part is particularly important because purposes usually emerge from our reasons for caring.”
Those reasons for caring speak to intentions that relate to those things that matter most to you. Your “why” drives your values with what is truly important to you, such as family, friends, and career path. As well as,
Prioritizing your life, which comes from your why
Your choice of people you surround yourself with
How you address and handle difficulties
Setting short and long-term objectives
Even your recreational decisions come from your why
In Closing, I thought it fitting to conclude with poetry from my “Just A Thought” series.
Stay Connected To Your “Why”
“Aiming high for each objective, be not discouraged with plans that go awry. Put your eraser to the drawing board, and stay connected to your “why.”
Failures aren’t final; your dream deserves another try. Keep your focus through every twist and sudden turn, and stay connected to your “why.”
If you question high achievers, most likely, each reply will attest to their adherence to the Law of Process, staying connected to their “why.”
Like high achievers, remain within your giftedness; that’s where your greatest successes lie. While pushing through career plateaus, stay connected to your “why.” …It’s Just a thought. – JSP (1)
End Notes
(1) “JUST A THOUGHT… Stay Connected to Your “Why” – A Rhyme” from JSPJOURNAL.COM https://bit.ly/3nGtnvU
*** This article was authored by John Picarello, Chief Leadership Officer at Lions Pride Leadership Co.***