Friday Thoughts - What's Your "Why?"

Happy Friday! If someone asks you, “What’s your why?” What would your answer be? Do you know why you do the things you do daily? If you do not understand "why" you do the things you do, it can be challenging to know what you want in the present and future. If your “why” in life is because of someone else besides yourself, you may want to rethink or reevaluate your “why." In addition, you cannot expect someone else to know what you want if you do not know. ?

The great news is that once you realize the purpose behind your actions, you can begin to work towards your how and what. You can even place guardrails around your heart and mind. Sometimes in life, our disappointments come from expectations that we set ourselves. Often, our expectations do not align with reality, and sometimes they do.

Suppose you know what your "why" is; it easier to navigate back to the reason behind your efforts. Several years back, I read Start with Why by Simon Sinek, and he began the book and his well-known Ted Talk with the “Golden Circle." Although this is a leadership book, it applies to many because many people lead in some capacity at home, work, or both.

Sinek discusses the following within the Golden Circle:

·????????Why = The Purpose

·????????How = The Process

·????????What = The Result

When put together, you can think from the inside out about why you may want to go back to school, get married, travel, etc. Money, fame, or comfort cannot be an answer alone because those things cannot sustain the feelings of belonging, acceptance, love, or whatever makes you feel alive. Learning and knowing your purpose is the start, then you have to ensure that your daily actions align with your beliefs and values. I know for sure that you cannot do anything in this world by yourself. We need assistance, guidance, and support from others at one point or another.

Many times, most people have heard the speeches when people achieve a goal; they thank the army of people who assisted them. It reminds me of this quote: "If I have seen further,” Isaac Newton wrote in a 1675 letter to fellow scientist Robert Hooke, “it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” When you take the time to figure out the “why” and pursue your dreams, be sure to accept, and seek help. It will make the journey easier and lighter.

I recently wrote about pausing and reflecting, and when I did, I got to recenter and reevaluate my "whys" in life, from my career, education, and travel journeys. I challenge you to do the same. Take a piece of paper (old fashion, I know), write down your top three current focuses, and then write down your "whys."

For example:

·????????Career - To have a positive influence and impact on my peers and Team Members. To inform and challenge others to be better today than they were yesterday

·????????School - To conduct research that has a social impact and promote education and opportunities for society's greater good

·????????Traveling - To experience culture, food, religion, living, and landscape different from what I have already experienced

One day while visiting a restaurant, I read a story on the wall that I would like to share that can put life in perspective as well as illuminate the importance of having and sticking to your “why” on this life journey:

The Fisherman and the Businessman

One day a fisherman was lying on a beautiful beach, with his fishing pole propped up in the sand and his solitary line cast out into the sparkling blue surf. He enjoyed the warmth of the afternoon sun and the prospect of catching a fish.

About that time, a businessman came walking down the beach, trying to relieve some of the stress of his workday. He noticed the fisherman sitting on the beach and decided to find out why he was fishing instead of working harder to make a living for himself and his family. "You aren't going to catch many fish that way," said the businessman to the fisherman. “You should be working rather than lying on the beach!”

The fisherman looked up at the businessman, smiled, and replied, "And what will my reward be?"

“Well, you can get bigger nets and catch more fish!” was the?businessman’s answer. “And then what will my reward be?” asked?the fisherman, still smiling.

?The businessman replied, "You will make money, and you'll be able to buy a boat, which will then result in larger catches of fish!"

“And then what will my reward be?” asked the fisherman again.

The businessman was beginning to get a little irritated with?the fisherman’s questions. “You can buy a bigger boat and hire?some people to work for you!” he said.

“And then what will my reward be?” repeated the fisherman.

The businessman was getting angry. “Don’t you understand? You?can build up a fleet of fishing boats, sail all over the world,?and let all your employees catch fish for you!”

Once again, the fisherman asked, “And then what will my reward?be?”

The businessman was red with rage and shouted at the fisherman,?“Don’t you understand that you can become so rich that you will?never have to work for your living again! You can spend all the?rest of your days sitting on this beach, looking at the sunset.?You won’t have a care in the world!”

The fisherman, still smiling, looked up and said, “And what do?you think I’m doing right now?”

No matter what, do not forget to enjoy today. Know your "why". Find balance and love like there is no tomorrow! You never know; your happiness and peace can be right where you are now.

Cheers!

#startwithwhy #whatsyourwhy #businessmanfisherman #andthenwhat #weeklythoughts