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This is more of a note to myself - but you can gain from this too. My last post was also a note to myself and it was on (Showing Up)[@ajorundon/how-to-show-up-when]
I am amongst those that struggled with understanding the concept of "Finding Your Why" but today I have found an easier way to break it down for us. The world is constantly demanding more of us and it’s very easy to get caught up in the grind. We show up, put in the work, and check tasks off our lists, but what happens when we lack the interest to continue? Yes, there are times we even feel overwhelmed by demands and just feel like doing nothing at all. This is the moment to stop and ask a crucial question: what is the why?
Understand "Why"
When you know your why, it becomes the engine that powers your persistence. It provides a deeper and a personal reason behind what you do. It’s not about the goal itself, like the new job, the fitness milestone, the finished project but it's about what that goal means to you. When you connect with your inner purpose, you transform any task into a meaningful step to move forward.
The Problem with no "Why"
Many of us operate without knowing our whys. We replace "why" with what "should" be done. We are not backing up our actions with the deeper reason."I should work out," "I should save money," "I should finish this report." These are mostly external pressures and obligations. They lack the emotional connection required for long-term commitment. The moment you feel tired or overwhelmed, the logic behind the "should" will not stand and makes it easy to quit.
Your "why," on the other hand, is an internal compass. It's a conviction that comes from within. It’s the difference between working out because you should and working out because you want to have the energy to play with your kids, travel the world, or feel confident in your own skin. It's the difference between saving money because you should and saving because you envision a future where you can pursue a passion project or retire comfortably.
How to Uncover Your "Why"
Finding your "why" is an internal and deliberate event; it's a process of self-discovery. You can keep refining or redefining. Here are a few ways to start;
1. Ask "Why?" Five Times:
This technique is often used to find the root cause of a problem. Take a goal you’re pursuing and repeatedly ask yourself "why" you want to achieve it.
Goal: Start a Business
1. Why?
I want to start my own business.
2. Why?
Because I want financial freedom.
3. Why?
So I don't have to worry about money.
4. Why?
Because financial stability means I can spend more time with my family.
5. Why?
Because I value creating memories with the people I love.
#. Why
Because I want to ........
Your final answer could be "creating memories with loved ones"! Which is a much more powerful and personal motivator than just "starting a business."
2. Observe your Emotion:
Your "why" is often tied to a powerful emotion. Does your goal relate to a desire for freedom, security, peace, creativity, or contribution?
Pay attention to the feelings you get when you think about your goal. The emotions are strong clues.
3. Journaling and Visualization:
Take time to write freely about your ideal future. What does it look like? What are you doing to achieve it? How do you feel? Don’t hold back. Write freely (emphasis on freely). Once you have a clear picture, try to visualize it in vivid detail.
The more real you make your "why," the more motivated you’ll be to take the steps to get there.
Your "Why" Is Your Secret Weapon
Once you’ve found your "why," it becomes your secret weapon against procrastination and burnout. On the days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed, it reminds you what's at stake. When you feel overwhelmed, it helps you refocus on what truly matters.
Your "why" gives you a deep, resilient sense of purpose. It turns a temporary struggle into a meaningful part of a larger story. When you connect your daily actions to a personal and emotional reason for doing them, you can build a source of motivation that never runs out. So, before you take another step forward, take a moment to look back at your reason for starting. Your "why" is waiting to be found. Find it!
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My Questions
I'd be interested to hear what you think on these questions:
• What's the least thing you could do daily to build a creative habit? (Could be putting together one paragraph a day for me.)
• How do you feel when you complete a task you had planned? ( If I could complete one out of three, I feel so great and calm with my self.)
• How do you deal with creative blocks or distractions? ( Sometimes, I allow it and always bring myself back to the task at hand - not easy but easy because I prefer not to be distracted.)
You can share your thoughts on this in the comments section. Thanks for your time on this.
Do you need a productivity buddy? I do. Let's link up.
