FIND YOUR “WHY”: THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION YOU CAN ASK YOURSELF

 


Author: Joan Nakagwe 

In the race to achieve our goals, we often get so focused on the "what" and the "how" that we forget to ask the most fundamental question: Why? We pursue promotions, save for retirement, and build businesses, but without a powerful underlying reason, these achievements can feel empty.

Your “Why” is the purpose, cause, or belief that drives you. It’s the invisible force that gives your work meaning, your struggles value, and your life direction. It's the answer to the question: "Why do you get out of bed in the morning?" And as countless successful individuals have discovered, finding your "why" is the most important step on the path to lasting fulfillment.

The Difference Between a Goal and a “Why” 

A goal  is a destination—a specific, tangible result you want to achieve. A “Why” on the other hand, is the reason you are driven to reach that destination.

A goal can motivate you for a while, but it’s your "why" that will keep you going when the challenges of that business become overwhelming. It’s what fuels the hard work and perseverance that people don’t see.

Why Your “Why” Is Your Greatest Advantage

Finding your "why" is more than just a feel-good exercise; it's a strategic advantage in all areas of your life.

 1. It Fuels Motivation:  Your "why" provides a deep, intrinsic motivation that external rewards can't match. When you connect your work to a higher purpose, you'll find the energy to push through setbacks and the resilience to keep fighting. As Les Brown teaches us, a strong "why" creates the hunger you need to win.

 2. It Provides Clarity:  A clear "why" acts as your compass. When faced with a difficult decision or a new opportunity, you can simply ask, "Does this align with my 'why'?" This question simplifies complex choices, helps you prioritize, and ensures that all your actions are moving you in the same direction. It’s the key to building an effective roadmap for your life.

 3. It Builds Resilience:  The journey to success is filled with failure and disappointment. Your "why" is the anchor that holds you steady through the storms. It’s what reminds you that the struggle is meaningful and that the temporary pain is a necessary part of the process. When you fall, your "why" is the reason you get back up, embodying the spirit of "It's not over until I win."

How to Find Your “Why” 

This is an introspective journey that requires honest reflection. Here are a few questions to get you started:

 1. What makes you angry?   What problems in the world or in your community frustrate you the most? Your anger can be a powerful catalyst for change and a clue to your purpose.

 2. What brings you Joy?  When do you feel most alive, fulfilled, and in a state of flow? Your greatest passions are often closely linked to your "why."

 3. Who do you want to Serve? Think about who you want to help or empower. Is it your family, your community, your customers, or a cause you believe in?

 4. What legacy do you want to leave?  Imagine yourself at the end of your life. What do you want people to say about you? This can reveal what you truly value and want to be remembered for.

Finding your “Why” is not a one-time event; it's a continuous process of self-discovery. But the moment you begin to connect your daily actions to a deeper purpose, everything changes. Your life ceases to be a series of tasks and instead becomes a powerful, intentional journey.

So, take a moment today. Quiet the noise and ask yourself that one fundamental question. Find your "why," and watch it become the foundation for a life of extraordinary achievement and fulfillment.

Written by Joan Nakagwe 


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