newcohospitality.com

Finding Your Purpose: A Deep Dive into Your "Why"

Written on

Simon Sinek’s influential work, "Start With Why," has gained immense popularity, primarily through his widely viewed TEDx talk. Although aimed at organizations and their leaders, it is surprising how little it has translated to individual lives.

Many professionals focus on what tasks to perform and how to execute them, often gravitating toward technology sectors or seeking companies with strong Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that resonate with their values.

Despite the acclaim surrounding Sinek’s ideas, discussions around personal motivations—why individuals work—remain sparse. To succeed in today's job market, it’s essential to connect with a deeper sense of purpose and to intentionally cultivate passion. Even if you land a job that matches your skills in a pleasant setting, what happens during the mundane, daily grind? How do you handle unexpected challenges, such as the isolation that can accompany remote work?

These fundamental questions, which inspired Sinek's exploration over a decade ago, still hold true. However, my focus is shifting from organizational dynamics to personal exploration—redefining what drives you in your own life.

The Golden Circle

At the heart of Sinek’s philosophy lies the Golden Circle, advocating for a shift in focus from "what" and "how" to "why." He skillfully illustrates how top organizations leverage their purpose to foster vibrant cultures and innovative products.

But what about individuals not engaged with such companies? A stellar organization doesn’t necessarily ensure employee satisfaction. Long-lasting engagement largely depends on the individual, as organizations can only influence your work experience to a certain extent.

I prefer to center my attention on individuals and the influence they wield over their surroundings and mindset regarding work. When one person grows positively, the effects extend beyond companies to families, communities, and future generations.

While we often analyze successful companies through various theories and external factors, I am more fascinated by the personal journeys of innovators like Page, Brin, Jobs, Zuckerberg, and Bezos. They connected with a profound purpose, creating immense value that resonated on a global scale.

Why is What You Love

Identifying your "why" and consistently engaging with it is an unparalleled source of motivation. Your "why" is rooted in love, which can propel you to achieve things that resentment, ambition, or financial gain cannot. You would readily sacrifice for love, whereas similar feats for hatred or anger are unlikely.

Brian Tracy describes love as transformative. Crafting your "why" in a way that sparks daily action can make time feel fleeting, as you strive to fulfill your core purpose. If your goal is to overcome generational obstacles, then you cannot afford to engage in the same activities as those before you.

How to Discover Your "Why"

The term "finding your why" can be misleading; rather than discovering it, you are tasked with creating it. This involves being deliberate about your values and how they align with your personal mission or vision.

For some, their "why" may center around providing a fulfilling life for their family, rendering their work less significant. For others, their job is intricately linked to their sense of purpose. If technology excites you, working at a company like Apple may hold great importance.

To forge your "why" and harness it as a motivational force, you must blend self-awareness, positive self-talk, and visualization.

Self-Awareness

Self-reflection is a potent tool that many overlook, which is advantageous since doing what others avoid can lead to success.

Self-awareness emerges from thoughtful self-reflection. By taking the time to reflect, you will discover aspects of yourself that may have been suppressed, often because the truth can be difficult to confront.

> "The most useful reflection involves the conscious consideration and analysis of beliefs and actions for the purpose of learning. Reflection gives the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences, consider multiple possible interpretations, and create meaning. This meaning becomes learning, which can then inform future mindsets and actions." — Jennifer Porter

An effective method to engage in self-reflection is to pose powerful, forward-thinking questions. Here are some prompts from John Coleman’s "Crafting Your Purpose":

  1. What are your strengths?
  2. What activities bring you joy or a sense of flow?
  3. What deeply resonates with you on an emotional level?
  4. What needs do you observe in your life or community?
  5. What should you avoid?

Take time to thoughtfully respond to each question. It took me several attempts to clarify what truly mattered to me. I discovered my passion for engaging with people and assisting them in ways that align with my expertise. I realized that my desire for learning and growth was paramount, and writing became my means to educate myself and support others. Ultimately, I chose coaching as a way to fulfill my purpose and experience flow.

Positive Self-Talk

In this context, self-talk transcends mere motivational phrases. It acts as a mental framework that propels you toward your passion, helping you activate your purpose and steering you in the right direction.

If your aim is to create a remarkable life for yourself and your family, then self-talk is your bridge to that purpose. It brings your passion to the forefront of your awareness every day.

I often refer to this process as identifying your "burn," a term synonymous with your passion and "why." This concept, popularized by Ben Newman, host of a podcast by the same name and a respected performance coach, emphasizes the importance of connecting with your inner fire each morning.

By starting your day with positive affirmations, you can set a productive tone for your purpose and passion. For instance, during your morning routine, you might tell yourself:

  • "I relish the journey of becoming better each day."
  • "My unique advantage lies in my willingness to tackle challenges others shy away from."
  • "No one will prioritize healthy living like I do; I am driven by the outcomes."
  • "I will invest effort in unseen hours to maintain my edge."

Positive Visualization

Visualization is another essential technique that complements self-talk in your quest for purpose. This involves mentally rehearsing actions or events before they occur, which is powerful because your mind reacts as if the scenario were real.

Have you ever woken up from a nightmare, heart racing, or felt your palms sweat while watching a thrilling video? Your mind can elicit physical responses merely through visualization.

Positive visualization entails planning your ideal day mentally. It’s about envisioning how you will live out your purpose, achieve daily goals, and navigate challenges. It’s akin to rehearsing greatness in your mind before achieving it.

Here’s how to implement it:

Each night, take a moment to outline your next day. I utilize a journal or daily planner to organize my time, including workouts, creative sessions, and administrative tasks.

If I’m tackling a complex project, I allocate specific time in the morning when I am most productive. I also prioritize early workouts to ensure a productive day ahead.

I like to include a session for light exercise or a walk in the afternoon, focusing on rehabilitation to maintain physical health. Sustaining productivity requires optimizing both mind and body, which is why I prioritize activities that support my well-being.

Don’t underestimate the value of spontaneity in your schedule. Human nature tends to gravitate towards ease, so intentionally allowing time for leisure and exploration is vital.

Peak performance expert Josh Waitzkin emphasizes the importance of scheduling quiet time for reflection, especially for high-achieving clients. This approach is particularly interesting coming from someone who excels in multiple disciplines, such as chess and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

When visualizing your ideal day, pay attention to your mental state. Picture yourself moving smoothly through your tasks, managing setbacks, and employing mental strategies to refocus. Imagine how you’ll regulate your emotions and execute essential activities that align with your passion and purpose.

Envision connecting with your "why" each day.

This story contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a portion of what you spend at no extra cost to you. If you’re new to Medium, consider joining through my referral link below. For just $5, you’ll gain access to all of my stories, book reviews, and publications about living a high-performance lifestyle.

Let’s Connect!

IG: @outworkchief Twitter: @outworkchief Website: trainoutwork.com