Finding Your “Why”
Whether it’s a business plan, a fitness goal, a personal dream, or anything in between, we’re all striving to achieve something. When you think about the things that fill up your day or consider the dreams and goals you’ve set before yourself – you probably have a pretty clear image of what you want and what you’re working toward. It’s easy to have a handle on what that thing is and how you want to get there, but how about the why? Have you considered why you are doing what you’re doing? Finding your why, your reason, the driving force behind your hard-work, is an integral part of achieving those goals. If you can find the deeper reason for why you’re getting out of bed another morning to kick butt, you can focus hard on that and let it fuel you.
The importance of your “why”
Here’s the deal: life is hard. It is often a string of monotony that is broken up by big excitement and achievements. It is full of real happiness and equally real challenges. You have to face hardship and struggles each day, both big and small. You have to work your hardest to get what and where you want, and sometimes you have to push through so much to just get up and conquer another day. Some seasons and days are harder than others, and when you’re trying to build a life or business, it is anything but a linear journey.
What is the ticket to making that work more manageable? Your WHY. Having a reason and purpose behind all of your efforts and recognizing that, makes it all worthwhile and truly eases some of the challenge behind working towards your goals. Whether it is your spouse, your kids, your personal desire for success, or financial freedom – having a clear “why” and becoming acquainted with that makes a significant difference in the journey.
How do I define my “why”?
If you are unclear about what your purpose is and what you do it all for, there are ways to identify that and really pour your energy into it. Here are some tools in how to define your why.
1. Look around at your life.
Take a step back and a moment to reflect. Look at the big picture of your surroundings, your daily life, the things and people that fuel you, and what really lights your fire. Ask yourself what is most important to you. Is it relationships? Is it the comfort of your life? Is it freedom? If you are able to take inventory of each area of your life, you are more likely to uncover what truly drives you and which parts of your life give you purpose and a reason to push yourself and try to achieve greatness.
2. Listen to the voice within you.
We all have it - that little voice inside of you that speaks to you. That little voice has the ability to build you up or tear you down. It is dictated by our thoughts and those thoughts and feelings are powerful. If you are able to control your thoughts into positivity, that little voice within will encourage you to thrive. It will remind you of your worth, encourage you, give you confidence and truly make you believe in yourself. If that voice is being driven by negative self-talk and thoughts, it has the power to limit you and stunt your growth. So often in life, through the craziness of life, we get distracted and stop listening to ourselves. We don’t allow ourselves the time and quiet to sit with ourselves and listen to our inner voice. But the truth is, some of our best reflection and inspiration comes from within. So, do yourself a favor and sit with yourself and listen.
3. Think about what you are chasing.
It is proven that your goals are more likely to come to fruition if you recognize them and then write them down. Consider what your goals and dreams, how you are chasing them and then that will lead you to why you are chasing them. Identify what are you wanting to accomplish, on what timeline and where it will take you. What you are striving to be and achieve has a greater purpose, and once you identify that purpose you can focus on it passionately. Consider what you’re chasing; who is with you at the end of it, where are you at and what are you able to do. When you’re clear on what you want in the end, you can better plan out how you’re going to get there and most importantly, why you’re going there.
4. Consider what you will have at the finish line.
If you have a plan for your future, a goal you want to achieve, or simply just a life you want to be living – picture what is on the other side of all of the hard work and progress. Think about who is standing by your side and who you have linked arms with. Think about where you are living and what your daily life looks like. If you are working hard to build a business, who are you building it with and what will you accomplish? If you are on a journey of healing through wellness, what is your goal outcome and what is it that you will gain from it all. After considering all of those questions, you, again, take a step back and take inventory. If you look at the who, the what, the when and the where…you are sure to find your WHY. Look at what or who you’re doing it for – therein lies your purpose and your reason. In the moments where life and your journey are incredibly challenging and it’s difficult to find hope, having a greater purpose, bigger than just yourself, will carry you through.
5. You can be your own “why”.
Spoiler alert, your “why” doesn’t need to be someone or something else. It can be YOU. And honestly, to love and care for yourself enough to be your own greatest purpose and driving force – is something we should all strive for. If you are looking for your reason, don’t look too far. You could be working toward a fitness goal, and the reason you want to do it is because YOU want to feel stronger and healthier. You are your own “why”. You could be starting a business by yourself and have big plans that you want to achieve in just the first year, and you want that because YOU want to feel liberated, independent and successful. You are your own “why”. Your reason doesn’t always need to be bigger than you in order to push you and fuel you. Sometimes our strongest force is within us. Don’t forget that.
What’s YOUR “why”?
Now that you’ve learned the importance of identifying your “why” and my tips and tricks on how to truly discover it, it’s your time. Follow the steps listed here to dig deep, take stock of your life and truly uncover the deeper reason behind why you do what you do, why you’re working so hard, and why you are going to achieve the dreams and goals you have set for yourself. Once you’ve narrowed your focus on your big “why”, write it down, put it on post it notes all over your house. Scream it at the top of your lungs. Let it be the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning, and never let it drift too far from your mind throughout the day. Find your “why” and see what a difference it makes in your life. I promise you won’t be disappointed.