Before You Find Your Why – Let's Talk About What Really Matters

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Why am I here? What’s my purpose?” Yeah, I’ve been there too. And let me tell you, that feeling of being lost? It’s tough.?

But before you dive headfirst into discovering your “why,” let’s take a moment to hit pause and reflect. Because figuring out your purpose isn’t about some magical ‘aha!’ moment – it’s a journey. And trust me, it starts with getting real with yourself.

I’m not just throwing around ideas here. Let me share something personal – something that shaped everything for me. A few years ago, I survived cancer of the voice box. That experience rocked my world. I lost my voice, and with it, I thought I’d lost a piece of myself.?

But funny enough, losing my voice is exactly what led me to my "why." Today, I’m a public speaker (have already given 4 TEDx speeches), have been invited by global celebrities’ podcasts to be on their show, and motivational coach – and yes, the irony of it all is still wild to me.

But that’s the thing. Life has this crazy way of taking our lowest points and using them to push us into something bigger. So, if I can figure it out, you absolutely can too.

Step 1: Take a Good, Hard Look at Yourself

Before you can find your “why,” you need to understand where you’re starting from. Self-assessment sounds fancy, but really, it’s just about being honest with yourself. Ask yourself: What drives you? What makes you get out of bed on days when you don’t have to?

For me, surviving cancer made me question everything. I had to ask, “What am I going to do with the time I’ve got left?” It wasn’t easy, but asking that question led me to realize that my struggle could actually help others.

So, let’s get real for a second. What do you care about? What makes you feel alive? Here are a few things to think about:

• When do you feel the most like yourself?
• What problems do you naturally want to solve?
• If you didn’t have to worry about money, what would you spend your days doing?

Step 2: Pay Attention to the Patterns in Your Life

Sometimes, the answers are already right in front of you – you just need to look. Start thinking about the big moments in your life. The highs, the lows, and everything in between. Do you see any patterns? Things that keep popping up?

In my case, there was a clear thread. I’ve always been someone who faces hard stuff head-on. And after going through cancer, I realized that I wasn’t just surviving – I was learning how to turn those hard times into something that could inspire others. The pattern was there; I just had to connect the dots.

So, ask yourself: What themes keep showing up in your life? Maybe you’re always the one people turn to for advice, or maybe you’re the problem-solver in stressful situations. Whatever it is, take a closer look at the things that naturally happen in your life. It might just be pointing you to your “why.”

Step 3: Try It Out in Real Life

Once you’ve got an idea of what your “why” might be, test it out. Don’t just sit on it – get out there and give it a shot. When I started sharing my story with small groups of people, it felt right. It wasn’t perfect at first – I stumbled, I got nervous – but over time, I found my flow.

Your purpose isn’t something you figure out in one day. It’s something you live. Maybe you think your “why” is helping others, so volunteer somewhere. Or you think it’s creativity, so start that passion project you’ve been putting off. You’ll know if it feels right once you start living it.

Now What?

So, you’ve done some reflecting, found a few patterns, and maybe you’ve even tried a few things. What’s next? Keep going!?

Your “why” isn’t a one-and-done deal – it’s something that will grow and change as you do. The important thing is to stay curious and open to what life throws your way.

Remember, finding your “why” is about more than just you. Once you figure it out, it becomes something you can share with the world – and that’s where the magic happens.

If I could turn a battle with cancer into a purpose-driven life of helping others, then believe me, you can find your own path too.

Take your time, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, trust that you’re exactly where you need to be at this moment.

All the best,

Shrenik Shah