How to Understand Your Why

If you have ever been around a two-year old, they have an incredible way of turning statements into questions. They live in a state of wonder, they point out obvious objects and colors and their world seems be filled with awe and imagination. Adulthood is much different, we have meetings, deadlines, and endless responsibilities. I’ll be honest, it’s not too often I point out an airplane unless it appears to be landing on I-35, in which case I’ll say, “that plane is way too close to the interstate!” Somewhere along the journey, we can get consumed with all the tasks at hand and even start to question, what is my why?

I am an advocate for lifelong learning, and as great as it is to acquire new skills and grow in leadership, we also owe it to ourselves to continually work on increasing understanding to the why behind what we do. If you’re reading this newsletter, you have probably been asked on more than one occasion what you do for work. When I get asked this question, I’ve started to add the practice of giving my why because it’s a great reminder to myself, and it helps the person understand who I am, and not just what I do.

Do me a quick favor: Close your eyes and think about your favorite childhood memory. Play it out, almost like a film. Who was there? What it made it special? How old were you?

Secondly, do the same exercise for your favorite professional memory.

Now, I must admit the next step to this exercise is easier to grasp through dialogue, but foundationally there may be a pattern between the two. A “why” is a deep-rooted part of us that drives our decision-making and our behaviors. We may not remember every single childhood memory, or each professional one, but there are some moments, some instances, that are engrained in our minds because they matter to us. Find the connectors between these memories and evaluate how they intertwine with what makes you successful in your occupation. Listening to our own language and evaluating our threads of life is not only healthy, but a great practice. In the future when someone inquires what you do, the question lends an opportunity to respond with a story that explains who you are and why you’re doing it.?

As always, I am wishing you the best as you continue to inspire and empower others. You never know, sharing your why could be the story of resilience that guides someone in their own self-discovery. I hope this edition sparked meaningful introspection and that you continue to lead with purpose and impact.