Why Your Why is So Important

September 2, 2010

I just recorded a super-casual, quick thought on your Why:

(If you can’t see the video, click here.)

Do you remember Why you’re doing this? Whatever your “this” might be? (This business, this project, this job, this venture, whatever.)

Think about your Why – is it grounded in a goal for yourself or for others?

I’ve noticed that those who not only have a rock-solid, passionate Why of any kind move forward so much faster, but those who have a Why that has to do with others? They’re on a whole other level.

What’s your Why? Does it have to do with a goal for your family? For your spouse? Your Mom? Your kids? Your community? Use that passion, remember WHO you are doing what you’re doing for. When you’re caught up this afternoon or this weekend or next week in the hubbub of life, of this and that, sit back and remember not just the WHY but the WHO. Allow it to simplify things. Remember Why, remember Who, then just do it already.

In the video I explained my why, so now I’d love to hear yours. Share?

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  • http://LouMindar.me Lou Mindar

    Annie — Thanks for the video. You are so right. Why you do what you do is more important in the long run that what you do. Your motivation (your “why”) can make or break your project/business/goal/etc. A lot of very talented people have failed at what they were doing because they were doing it for the wrong (or not a good enough) reason.

    • http://www.anniesorensen.com Annie Sorensen

      What saddens me, Lou, is that those folks that failed? Many probably walked away thinking it was the idea/venture/business that failed, instead of examining the inspiration/drive behind it.

  • http://www.demetter.com Paul de Metter

    I've got the Why question pretty much wrapped up. It's more about When When When now :-)

    DeMetter.com – minding your business

    • http://www.anniesorensen.com Annie Sorensen

      So, what IS that why? :)

      • http://www.demetter.com Paul de Metter

        Being an entrepreneur: because I love to inspire my people and add value for my clients usings innovative ideas and a good relationship that works both ways. I can give and receive more experience, joy and money than in every other job.

        Being a father: because I have much to learn from my kids as well as to teach them. Having kids take you to the next level of relationships – as strange as this may sound – but there's nothing better than your little one running into your arms after work.

        Being a friend/spouse: because the things above are all worthless when you don't share it with others!

  • http://www.NewRichProject.com Sunny

    It's terrible! How easily an idea like this can so easily get overlooked or forgotten about as people move through the motions of day-to-day life.

    I just wrote about the importance of knowing yourself, and this is one of the founding pillars of that concept.

    If you have a clearly defined “why” then you'll begin to steer all your decisions to lead you in that direction…And like you said, people who know their why accomplish much bigger things than someone who doesn't….If you're moving toward the why in your life, then you're INTRINSICALLY motivated and will always go further than someone relying on extrinsic motivation.

    I love how this small thought got such a big response, haha. Great stuff Annie!

    • http://www.anniesorensen.com Annie Sorensen

      “intrinsically motivated” <– perfectly stated.

  • http://twitter.com/johntmeyer John Meyer

    Great thoughts Annie. You're right on with the why.

    Have you ever seen Simon Sinek's TED Talk about the Why? I know you're a busy woman, but take a look at this.

    http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html

    • http://www.anniesorensen.com Annie Sorensen

      I had not seen Simon's talk, John. Just sat down to watch it and, wow, 18 minutes well spent! Going to send out an update to this post to include the vid.

      Thank you thank you! Awesome stuff.

  • Pingback: UPDATE: Why Your Why is So Important | Annie Sorensen

  • Suejonesbryant

    My Why is to leave footprints in my lifetime to lead others to self awareness and development, as I believe everyone wants a change in some part of their being. Pay it forward. This begins with me making just 1 small and miniscule change daily. The ripple effect takes over from there. Great video Annie!

    • http://www.anniesorensen.com Annie Sorensen

      Ripple effect – most definitely, Sue.

      Go further…why is your why to inspire others to increase their self awareness and development?

  • http://www.wovenlore.com Martin LaBelle

    Annie, I'm confused about your “Why?”. Do you want personal freedom, an essentially financial goal? Or do you want political freedom, that is Liberty and personal responsibility. The latter of these is my “Why?”.

    To that end I'll recommend one of my favorite books about the concept of freedom. Robert Heinlein's “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress”. I think you and your readers might like it. Have you read it?
    http://www.wovenlore.com/2010/08/the-moon-is-a-harsh-mistress/

  • http://www.wovenlore.com Martin LaBelle

    Annie, I'm confused about your “Why?”. Do you want personal freedom, an essentially financial goal? Or do you want political freedom, that is Liberty and personal responsibility. The latter of these is my “Why?”.

    To that end I'll recommend one of my favorite books about the concept of freedom. Robert Heinlein's “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress”. I think you and your readers might like it. Have you read it?
    http://www.wovenlore.com/2010/08/the-moon-is-a-harsh-mistress/

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