Rediscovering my Why

This past week has produced arguably my greatest week of learning in 2023.

You see, I decided to kick off May with a personal challenge: quit drinking coffee. For those of you who know me, this is no small feat.

I’ve been a three cup a day coffee drinker for 10+ years – and by three cups, I mean the largest cup I can find (think Super-Size me). After a miserable Sunday, April 30 with an early wakeup, four hours of driving to and from soccer and standing in the rain for hours watching my daughters club team play to a 0-0, and yes – too much coffee, to say I was “on edge” would be an understatement. I thought, “New month, new challenge!”

I was battling through my Monday as the headaches and fatigue kicked in. I thought, “Why am I doing this again?” Sure, there was this better version of me I envisioned – but at around 1:18 PM, I was brainstorming how that was related to this choice.

As I scanned my bookshelf, one title caught my attention, and I immediately knew my next step; it was none other than Atomic Habits.

What’s one of the fundamental tips from this book on how to break a habit? Make it Unattractive. For me, the idea was crystal clear. I picked up the phone and dialed a good friend of mine.

“I have an income opportunity for you,” I began. “It’s in the form of a wager. My total cups of coffee for this month versus your number of drinks.”

I knew this would be an intriguing idea for two reasons. First, my buddy is ready to make another health push, so cutting back would be a plus. Two, he enjoys beating me as much as anything on this Earth – and the feeling is mutual.

I explained my three cup a day average. By comparison, I knew I was a heavy underdog, as his consumption rarely totals double digits in a week – but that’s exactly why it was a fair bet. The first week would be the hardest for me, and the ongoing weekends with his packed social calendar would be his challenge as the month progressed.

What’s the scorecard after week one? Well, 0-0 of course!

I think with our mutually compelling reasons why we are doing this – health + the chance for victory – it’s going to be interesting.

But that’s only half learning this week…

On Friday, we had a life moment where we introduced a new member to the family. Despite our struggles with adopting a puppy back in December, we decided to take the plunge and try again; this time, we would start from the beginning by getting an eight-week-old puppy from a breeder.

Turn on the news, and within five minutes, you can be horrified with the state of the world. Walk into a breeder’s country house and see eight frolicking puppies alternating between playing and napping on one another in a perfect circle, and your faith in the world is restored!

We picked out our new little buddy, and named him Gus. After making the four-hour trek home, it was one of those magical nights where all is right in the world.

At bedtime, I told my wife I would take the first shift when Gus would inevitably wake up. We set up baby monitors in the family room and our bedroom so we would know when Gus started to whimper; at this age, a puppy needs to go out to take care of business a few times a night.

I was sound asleep within what felt like seconds that night, and here’s what so interesting about what happened next.

At 12:30 AM, I heard his cry. I popped out of bed in two seconds flat and was dressed in thirty seconds, making my way downstairs. We spent about 45 minutes together inside and outside, and then I headed back to sleep. At 4:30 AM, it was the same routine.

Here’s what hit me like a flash of lightning.

Most days, when the alarm goes off, I have to drag myself out of bed. I challenge myself to think of three good things before my feet hit the floor, and then start my morning routine to set me up to win the day. I do this to get me mentally and physically primed to have the best day I can, and it takes conscious, deliberate effort. Once I spend this time, I’m ready for a great day.

When Gus cried, I was up in a heartbeat. It was simple: I needed to go take care of new little man. My “Why” was incredibly clear: I love this puppy, and I am going to do everything in my power to take care of him and train him to be a wonderful, well-behaved, affectionate family dog who will bring us joy, God willing, for the next fifteen years.

It made me think: when was the last time I was this motivated to get out of bed?

What could I accomplish if I discovered – or rediscovered – a why that powerful that drives me in business, family, and the rest of my life?

I always pride myself as someone who focuses on winning the day. But I realized if I could attack the day with THAT level of intention, then there’s an entire next level out there I can attain.

As you start this week, I challenge you with that same question: what’s your why?

Go discover or rediscover your why….and have a great week!

#learning #habits #motivation #findyourwhy #atomichabits #forgeyourpath