Find your why: Uncovering the reason behind your inner strength

In life, we often come across obstacles that may hinder our progress or make us question our purpose. These obstacles may be in the form of a failed relationship, a job we dislike, or a health setback. However, what sets successful people apart from the rest is their ability to uncover the reason behind their inner strength. This reason is often referred to as a ‘why’ and it allows individuals to remain focused, driven, and passionate about their goals. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of finding your why and how doing so can aid in personal growth and transformation.

What is a ‘why’?

A ‘why’ is the underlying reason for why we do what we do. It’s the driving force behind our actions and is often linked to our values and beliefs. A ‘why’ is what separates individuals who are passionate about their work from those who are merely going through the motions. For example, a doctor may have chosen their profession because they want to provide healthcare to those who lack access to it, while another doctor may have chosen it simply for the financial rewards. The first doctor has a clear ‘why’ behind their decision, while the second doctor does not.

Importance of finding your ‘why’

1. Provides motivation and inspiration:

When we have a clear understanding of our ‘why’, it provides us with motivation and inspiration. It allows us to see the bigger picture and remain focused on our goals, even when faced with setbacks and failures. Our ‘why’ allows us to see the impact our work can have on ourselves and others, providing us with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

2. Helps in decision-making:

When we know our ‘why’, it becomes easier to make decisions that align with our values and beliefs. It allows us to filter out opportunities and situations that do not support our goals and remain focused on those that do. Our ‘why’ helps us prioritize our time and energy, ensuring we’re investing it in activities that matter.

3. Provides direction and clarity:

Our ‘why’ provides us with direction and clarity in our personal and professional lives. It allows us to set goals that align with our purpose and create a roadmap to achieve them. It helps us remain focused on our goals, ensuring we don’t veer off course.

4. Facilitates personal growth and development:

When we understand our ‘why’, it becomes easier to identify areas of personal growth and development. It provides us with a framework for self-reflection and self-awareness, aiding in personal growth and transformation. Knowing our ‘why’ also allows us to identify areas in which we need to grow and develop, allowing us to adopt a growth mindset and remain open to learning.

Steps to help uncover your ‘why’

1. Identify your core values:

Our ‘why’ is often linked to our core values. The first step in uncovering your ‘why’ is to identify what’s important to you. These may be values such as honesty, integrity, compassion, or creativity. Identify your top three to five core values and explore why they’re important to you. How do these values guide your decisions and actions?

2. Reflect on your past experiences:

Our past experiences, both positive and negative, can provide insight into our ‘why’. Think about a time when you felt most fulfilled and accomplished. What were you doing? What made that experience so meaningful? Similarly, think about a time when you felt lost or unfulfilled. What was the underlying reason for those feelings?

3. Consider your skills and strengths:

Our skills and strengths often align with our ‘why’. Consider the things you excel at and enjoy. How do these skills align with your core values? For example, if creativity is one of your core values and you enjoy writing, perhaps your ‘why’ is to inspire and motivate others through your words.

4. Identify a cause or issue you’re passionate about:

Often, our ‘why’ is linked to a cause or issue we’re passionate about. Think about an issue that you care deeply about. How can you contribute to that cause? Why is that issue important to you?

5. Write a personal mission statement:

A personal mission statement is a statement that articulates your ‘why’. It summarizes your values, purpose, and goals. It’s a useful tool to help stay focused and aligned with your goals. Writing a personal mission statement involves summarizing your core values, passion, strengths, and goals in a concise statement.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, finding your ‘why’ is an essential step in personal growth and transformation. It provides us with motivation, inspiration, direction, and facilitates personal growth and development. Uncovering your ‘why’ requires self-reflection and self-awareness, which can be a daunting process. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can begin to uncover your ‘why’ and start living a more fulfilled life. Remember, our ‘why’ is unique to us, and it’s what makes us who we are. It’s what sets successful people apart from the rest, so don’t be afraid to embrace your ‘why’ and let it guide you toward success.