Since 23 January 2023, I’ve been [more] intentional about how I start my day, intentional about the things I do and don’t do. My frustration with the lack of progress in certain areas of my life had been palpable for months. Still, I found it hard to change some habits that were, undoubtedly, the source of that frustration. I’d been wasting too much time streaming movies and TV shows, and on certain—not all—social media apps that didn’t provide value. All because I had lost sight of my why.
Do You Remember WHY?
In being intentional about the things I wanted to do, I’ve gotten back into a regular reading routine. Over the weekend, I finished reading Simon Sinek’s Start with Why. It reminded me of the importance of always knowing your why, and holding true to it. Our why is our compass, our true north. It’s not about what we do or how we do it, but why we do what we do. As Sinek writes: “Regardless of WHAT we do in our lives, our WHY—our driving purpose, cause or belief—never changes.”
Why did we start our company? Why did we join the military? Why did we write that first book?
Getting Back to WHY?
When it comes to writing, I’ve always known, and held to, my why. I love telling engaging stories that explore the intricacies of human relationships, challenging the assumptions we have of each other and ourselves. That is at the forefront of my mind when I’m working on a novel or short story. But what has, perhaps, been a little blurry lately is my greater why to life. What do I want my impact on the world to be? How can I show up wherever I am—at work, at home or with friends, in the community—and be of service? And what do I mean when I say I want to be of service?
I realize, now, that I need to take some time to reflect on that greater why to life. I’m not expecting to find answers overnight. But if I can start [again] with why, then I stand a better chance not only of getting to where I want to be but also becoming who I dare to be.
Do you know your why?
Leave a Reply