In this blog, we will learn to ask ourselves the question of “why.” It can be why you are doing something, your meaning, or your purpose. I will speak on a few examples and how you can incorporate this “why” lifestyle into your life. From bad to good, good to great, and great to amazing, let us learn the “why” behind what we do daily.

The concept and premise of “Why” was something I learned from Simon Sinek. Mr. Sinek is the author of the book called Start with Why. He wrote about the power of “why” and how it drives us to accomplish the things we are passionate about in our life. He spoke on how leaders can lead with ferocity and purpose because of a strong “why.” These people can create something world-changing, starting with their “why.” It is not what you do but rather why you do it that ignites the fire inside us and others.

The book explains why we do what we do and how we can either be successful or fail to depend if we lose focus of our “why.” It all comes back around to what is our “why.” Why do we do the things we do? Whether we have habits we do each day or something we do now and again. What is your “why”? Our “whys” can be our biggest motivator each day. It will allow us to wake up invigorated and ready for the day. The “why” we have must be bigger than our excuses to progress through all the distractions and struggles. That leads us to the question. How do we find out our “why”?

Looking at big companies, we see trends in what we will support and what will not. If we look at two companies, for example, Apple Inc and Whole Foods, we can already understand what they stand for. Both companies are big, but they both specialize in different areas. Apple Inc wants to provide users with new technology that is user-friendly and intuitive. On the other hand, Whole Foods is in the food business, and its mission is to provide fresh and organic foods for all its patrons.

Knowing the “why” behind what you do allows you to stay focused and allows others to see what you stand for. I do not think you will buy a new laptop branded Whole Foods.  This is because Whole Foods is known for selling organic and fresh foods, not making electronics. The human brain is conditioned to look at a company and see what it stands for. If a company proclaims that they were to provide new advanced technology for all users, then that will justify why we would purchase tech from them. I know if Apple Inc started to sell food instead of technology, I would not buy any. It is not an opinion of trust, but rather, my belief that the company does best in technology, not fruits.

Like a company’s mission statement, we must have a “why” ourselves. We must believe in what we do so that others can support us. I can tell you that if you are not pursuing what gives you that spark, then begin to look deeper. In a previous blog, I wrote about passion and gifts, and we learned that those do not equate to our “why.” Our why might be for ourselves or someone else, but it is a driving force that gets you going. It can be as simple as a better life for your children or a new house for your parents. Regardless of your “why,” you can make a difference, and people will be able to notice what you stand for if it is pronounced enough.

Looking at our leaders and CEOs of the world, we can learn from their “why.” These leaders know that they have a dream to reach. Their vision is for the better of the world, and it becomes easy for people to see this and want to support that dream. Using Apple Inc again, they want to put a user-friendly phone in the hands of the dreamers and have them navigate it easily. Apple products are easy to use and follow the company’s ideals. The company’s “why” can easily be seen and witnessed by the world, so it becomes easy for the world to support Apple Inc.

There is a natural tendency to gravitate to people with a strong and unique “why.” We become so intrigued by a person’s mission or ambition that we join forces or learn from them. Simon Sinek uses a great example in his book of Martin Luther King Jr.(MLK). He talks about how on the day of MLK, I have a dream, speech that over 250,000 showed up. No email or text told everyone to meet up, but it was the “why” that MLK was giving the world. The country wanted to change, and MLK was one of the leaders in that endeavor. His “why” resonated with the country, and people supported him from all backgrounds and cultures.

Like a strong leader, our “why” can change the world, we all have to start somewhere, but we must keep that focus. Making money and buying everything you want is not your “why.” Your true “why” is something that others can believe in. Something that others will support and dream the same dream that you do. However, having a good product or service does not mean people will support you forever. Money is not an indication of “why” you do something. You must love what you do, and the result you get from it should be greater than any monetary amount you could receive. It is your dream coming to reality that will cause people to support you.

Your “why” is what wakes you up in the morning and gets you through the day. I know I have a very ambitious dream, but I know that as long as I can help people start to attain the life they dream of, then I can go to bed and say, “Mission accomplished.” That is how you should determine your why. Money is a great motivator, but it serves no purpose once you get all the money you need. Kanye West says it better than anyone, “Having money is not everything – Not having it is.” Money might be a byproduct of your “why,” but it cannot be your sole motivator.

Setting up goals for the future is where your “why” shines. You get to see something you want to build or create and start from there. If your “why” is strong enough, others will gravitate to you. They will support you and be a part of that dream. They will be in your corner, whether employees, customers, or investors. Your “why” can touch the world. Be sure you know why when your feet hit the floor each morning. Make sure you know your purpose and what you are working for. Whether it be your dream or someone else’s, you can change the world by starting with your “why.”

Until then,

Michael Rearden

Founder of Reven Concepts