“If we want to feel an undying passion for our work, if we want to feel we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves, we all need to know our WHY.” – Simon Sinek
Jay Ledesma
It’s again the time of the year when we set our annual goals, lay out our plans and craft our new year’s resolutions. We all feel excited and eager to start working on them. But same as last year, many of us, might again find ourselves, losing the steam midway. When we begin facing challenges and obstacles and things don’t happen as we plan, the enthusiasm and determination wane, until they’re completely gone. Ending: we miss achieving most of our goals and plans. We then set again our goals and plans for the coming year… and repeat the same cycle.
Several motivation materials and perhaps our own experiences tell us that the key to sustaining our passion, excitement and commitment to start, sustain and finish what we said we will do is knowing our “why”. It was the popular author, Mark Twain, who said, “the two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out WHY- your purpose in life.” When we know our Why, we are halfway to achieving our goals. It’s a very simple question, yet many of us, are unable to answer.
Why is it important to know our “Why”? In the world we now live in, where doubts, bashings, uncertainties, changes and all kinds of distractions abound, giving up is an easy option. With the many options, alternatives and choices we have, sticking to our goals and plans can be challenging. But having a full understanding of our Why can help us withstand all these.
Clear Purpose – The beauty of knowing your why is that it provides clarity of purpose. Having a full understanding of why you do what you do makes it easier to set your goals and plans, align them with your aspirations and find meaning in your actions and decisions. A popular coffee brand tagline sums it up: “Para kanino ka bumabangon?” Knowing your why is like having a compass that guides you through your journey even amidst life challenges and obstacles.
Source of Motivation. Knowing your “why” can be a powerful source of motivation. It’s a deeply ingrained motivation which fuels you and gives meaning to what you do. When you understand and are connected with your Why, the more likely we stay focused, committed and resilient amidst adversities that may come our way. Instead of giving up, we consider challenges as building blocks and growth opportunities.
Guide for Decision-Making. When our “why” is a topmost consideration in everything that we do, making decisions becomes a lot easier. No second guessing, no second thought, no hesitations. It helps us remember our values, what or who matters most to us, so that when it’s time to make decisions, we know the right and best choice/s to make.
Creativity Enhancer. When we are connected with our “why” and are passionate and driven about what we do, we are more likely to exhaust all means, think out of the box, explore new ideas and find new ways to achieve our goals. Ee don’t give up, instead, we find alternatives and try new things that we have never done before.
Better Interpersonal Relationship. When our actions are aligned and consistent with our “why”, we are perceived to be more honest and sincere. It builds our credibility and trustworthiness. People would like to deal with those who are true and authentic. They are willing to offer help and support to people who are clear with their purpose, who have no hidden agenda and who are genuine in their intentions.
While we have our short-term goals, we all work towards achieving a long-term fulfillment and happiness. But it is not going to be easy. The journey can be challenging, distracting and disappointing. Knowing our “why” allows us to wake up each day with a clear sense of purpose and excited to do what we must do, regardless.
So, before you go on writing your goals and action plans for the rest of 2025, take time to reflect on your “why”. Amidst the hustle and bustle of your busy life, pause and ask yourself the basic question of “Why am I doing what I am doing?” Let’s be mindful that it is not all about what you have achieved, it’s also about why you do it.
