WHY you need Root Cause Analysis to discover your WHY

Its week 6 y’all!

How time flies when what? Having fun? Stressed out?? Doesn’t matter. I don’t think time ever flies. It’s the most boring, constant thing. In these ever-changing times, of rising costs, erupting wars, of new KRA taxes every morning (Kenyans know what I am talking about), time is the constant. Thank GOD for that! ?

This week I had lots of conflict on what to write about- do I write on what is happening in my life, write on the book I am currently reading, reflect on conversations with others …then it hit me!

I think I should have had a bottom-up approach (pan intended- right Kenyans?)? I began wondering about different aspects of my life, my daily struggles, and the struggles of the people I interact with, especially during coaching sessions. Some of the recurring themes are procrastination, fear of change, fear of what others will think, fear of failure and accompanying shame, never having enough time, waiting for the stars to align to start doing that which we committed to do, and if yours is not there, please add it. That led me to try to reflect on many whys- Why do we procrastinate even when we know the consequences? Why don’t we have accountability partners to spur us onward? Why is it hard to sit and write down our goals? Or if we have written them down, they are gathering dust somewhere? Why is it so hard to reflect on our personal lives, and yet we do it all the time at work? This reminded me of Simon Sinek's The Optimism Company , and his constant message to corporates: Begin with your WHY. ?A quote from him: ??Very few people or companies can clearly articulate WHY they do WHAT they do. By WHY I mean your purpose, cause or belief - WHY does your company exist? WHY do you get out of bed every morning? And WHY should anyone care?

We could tailor this quote to individuals: Very few people can clearly articulate WHY they do WHAT they do. By WHY I mean your purpose, cause or belief - WHY do you exist? WHY do you get out of bed every morning?

My two cents are if we discovered why we exist and what is our purposes, then other things (excuses) that draw us back would cease to possess so much power over us. If I am truly aligned with my WHY, then I would find excuses to do what I need to do, rather than have excuses to not do it. ???

In the journey of life, many individuals find themselves wandering without a clear sense of purpose or direction. The quest for meaning is inherent to human nature and understanding our "why" is crucial for leading a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. One powerful tool that can aid in this self-discovery process is root cause analysis. Typically applied in problem-solving scenarios, root cause analysis can also be a transformative technique when applied to our own lives.

Understanding Root Cause Analysis:

Root cause analysis is a systematic method of identifying the underlying causes of a problem rather than merely addressing its symptoms. This analytical approach is widely used in various fields, including business, healthcare, and engineering. By digging deeper and exploring the fundamental issues at play, individuals can develop more effective and sustainable solutions.

Applying Root Cause Analysis to Life:

Identifying Patterns and Behaviors: Root cause analysis prompts us to examine patterns and behaviors in our lives that may be hindering personal growth or fulfillment. These could range from negative habits and thought patterns to the environments we expose ourselves to.

Exploring Core Beliefs: Our beliefs shape our actions and decisions. By delving into the root causes of our core beliefs, we gain insight into why we think and behave the way we do. This process allows us to challenge limiting beliefs and reshape our perspectives.

Examining Life Events: Significant life events often influence our sense of purpose. Root cause analysis encourages us to revisit these events, understanding how they have shaped our values and priorities. This reflection can be pivotal in uncovering our true motivations.

Clarifying Values and Priorities: Root cause analysis helps in clarifying our core values and priorities. When we understand what truly matters to us, we can align our actions with these values, leading to a more authentic and purpose-driven life.

Addressing External Influences: External influences, such as societal expectations and cultural norms, can play a significant role in shaping our decisions. Root cause analysis encourages us to question these influences, empowering us to make choices that align with our authentic selves.

Benefits of Root Cause Analysis in Self-Discovery:

Deeper Self-Awareness: Root cause analysis fosters a deeper level of self-awareness by uncovering the underlying factors that drive our thoughts and behaviors. This self-awareness is crucial for personal development and growth.

Strategic Decision-Making: Armed with a clear understanding of the root causes behind our choices, we can make more strategic decisions that align with our long-term goals and values.

Improved Problem-Solving Skills: The problem-solving skills developed through root cause analysis can be applied to various aspects of life, enabling us to overcome challenges and setbacks more effectively.

Enhanced Resilience: Knowing the root causes of our challenges allows us to build resilience by addressing issues at their core. This resilience is essential for navigating the inevitable ups and downs of life.

I would like to conclude by inviting us all to embark on a journey of self-discovery through root cause analysis, noting that it's not a one-time task but an ongoing process. It requires introspection, honesty, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. By peeling back the layers and understanding the root causes of our choices, beliefs, and behaviors, we can pave the way for a more purposeful and meaningful existence. In the pursuit of our "why," root cause analysis becomes a powerful compass, guiding us toward a life that is authentically ours.

And back to you, please let me know what topic you would like me to write on before I run out of topics! And share your books too!

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