Why are you driven to take action? Finding your “why” the motivations behind your actions is one of the most necessary practices to living a life of purpose and meaning. When you can clearly articulate the reasons behind why you do what you do, the way you live your life will ultimately be a reflection of your “why.” In this article, I will discuss why finding your “why” is important and how you can start to discover yours.
WHAT IS YOUR “WHY”
In his book, Millionaire Success Habits, Dean Graziosi defines your “why” as “the purpose behind your actions.” He goes on to explain that “when we can uncover our true “why” our driving purpose in life and translate that into our actions, we provide the momentum we need to push forward faster than ever.” Your “why” is the reason behind what motivates you to act.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF YOUR “WHY”
Your “why” is the deeper meaning behind what motivates you to act. When you have a deeper meaning behind your actions, that helps you to keep moving forward, especially when you don’t feel like it, we all have days when we don’t feel like doing difficult or unpleasant tasks. However, when your “why” aligns with your values, you are motivated to act regardless of how you feel.
In addition to creating motivation, knowing your “why” also helps you clarify what is essential. When you have a strong reason behind your actions, you act with purpose and intention. Therefore, you are more mindful about what gets your time and attention. When you don’t have a clearly defined reason behind your actions clarifying your priorities is more challenging. Prioritizing people and activities that are not aligned with your values can cause you to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and regretful in the long term.
Lastly, understanding your “why” also builds confidence. Brendon Burchard talks about this point in High Performance Habits, stating “high performers confidently affirm their goals to themselves and others. In affirming their whys with other people, high performers feel more confident and create social consequence and obligation.”
HOW TO FIND YOUR “WHY”
Finding your “why” is a process that can take time. In Millionaire Success Habits, Graziosi discusses “The 7 Levels Deep” exercise. This powerful exercise helps you to uncover the deeper “why” behind what matters to you. The basis of the exercise is that you move progressively deeper into questions by asking why questions seven times, and each question is based on the previous answer.
For example, if I asked someone why they want to start a business, they might answer, “I want to help others and have financial freedom.” My next question to them based on their previous answer would be, “why do you want to help others and have financial freedom?” They might answer, “I want to help others because I’ve found an easier and faster way to solve xyz and I want to save people time and energy. Also not having to worry about money gives me the freedom to do more of the activities that I enjoy.”
Continue asking “why” based on the previous answer until you’ve answered your 7th “why” question. The answers get progressively deeper and more specific as you continue asking “why.” This exercise is an effective tool to use when setting goals. When you attach meaning to your goals, that increases the likelihood that you will accomplish them.
FIVE TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN FINDING YOUR “WHY”
YOUR “WHY” NEEDS TO BE YOURS AND NO ONE ELSE’S
“So often we create a “why” that is about pleasing the people we love or crave love from, and that is not a way to finish your life without regret” – Dave Hollis. When you are in the process of uncovering your deeper “why,” your reasons need to be yours, not based on what your family or friends believe. Be honest about what matters most to you and why.
INTENTIONALLY CREATE TIME AND SPACE TO CONNECT WITH YOUR “WHY”
Prioritizing time for stillness to connect and reflect on your “why” is extremely important. The world is filled with so much noise and distractions. Connecting with your why allows you to stay focused on what’s most important to you. Focusing on what matters to you also allows you to reflect on your actions on a routine basis which helps to ensure that your actions are in alignment with your “why’
LOOK INTO THE FUTURE
How do you want to be remembered? “When you start thinking about what you hope people might say as they eulogize you, that often can be a trail of breadcrumbs for how you’d have to act to have them say it.” – Dave Hollis. Thinking about how people might remember you when you’re gone puts everything in perspective. In his book, It’s Not All About You, Tom Rath explains how having the end in mind can profoundly impact how you think about life.
“The one thing we can all guarantee is that our lives will end at some point. Time is more valuable when you can see your mortality on the horizon. The prospect of death leads to a greater appreciation of life. When you consider how short life can be, you create more meaning in the world.”
PATIENCE
Finding your “why” is hard work. Many people don’t take the time to do this vital work. So if you are one of the few who are taking the time to figure out your “why” be patient with yourself. Also, remember that your “why” will probably change over time. We are constantly growing and changing, so, naturally, our purpose will too. If you are still unclear about your “why” after doing the 7 Levels Deep exercise, that’s okay. Do the exercise as many times as needed.
REVIEW YOUR “WHY” OFTEN
When you have a clearly defined “why” it’s essential to review it often. Reviewing your “why” regularly reminds you of what is most important to you. In High Performance Habits, Burchard talks about the importance of affirming your “why”
“Affirm your “whys” to yourself and others more consistently. When we verbalize something it becomes more real and important to us. It becomes more necessary for us to live in alignment with that truth. So the next time you want to increase your performance necessity, declare to yourself and to others what you want and why you want it.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
Finding your “why” also known as your purpose, calling, reason for being, empowers you to live a life of meaning. A clearly defined “why” is one of the most common characteristics among highly successful people. Successful people know their “why” and are guided by it. Knowing your “why”can positively impact every area of your life because when you start acting in alignment with your true purpose, there is no limit to what you can do and who you can become.
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