Earlier this year, I read Simon Sinek’s book, Start with Why. It quickly became a catalyst in my life because I realized that people, as well as organizations, need to have a clear understanding of their whys or their purposes. If an organization doesn’t know why it exists, chaos will ensue. The same is true for people. Then I read Blake Mycoskie’s book, Start Something That Matters, and the personal journey intensified.
I realized that knowing and living your why are two different concepts. It’s like knowing how to get to the beach versus actually going to the beach. I wasn’t content to encourage people to know their whys; I wanted them to live their whys. And, so, the writing of Live Your Why began. This story is important because the discovery of your why will be the result of several seemingly unrelated influences in your life.
This weekend, I received my initial copies of the new book. Those who have seen it believe it will help focus the lives of people from adolescents and teens to senior adults.
Why should you give your why a try? I spent six years in the Navy working in nuclear power and learned a lot. One of the principles that sticks with me today is use the right tool for the right job. Don’t use wrenches as hammers and screwdrivers as pry bars. It’s not good for the tool or the machinery being repaired.
The same thing is true in our lives. When we position ourselves outside our purposes, we do ourselves and the world a disservice. The world will be a better place when we all understand our whys and live them out. Does this mean you’ll find a new job? No. Your why might be something that is best expressed in volunteering in your community. You might just get out of that rut you’ve been in for a few months or years.
When you begin to live your why, you’ll unlock the door to a meaningful and fulfilling life. It will be a life that can’t be found any other way. When you begin to live your why, those you influence will be encouraged to discover and live theirs. That’s how you will leave a mark on this world. So, why not give your why a try? Think about it.
Who might be encouraged the most through your living your why?
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