It may be useful to check in...
What's your "why"? If you're not familiar with this question, you may want to check out https://simonsinek.com/
Over a decade ago, Simon Sinek started a movement that inspired millions to demand purpose at work, to ask what was the WHY of their organization. To be clear, the why had nothing to do with business results...it ran deeper than that. According to Sinek - Why is your purpose - What's your cause? What do you believe?
I recently decided to check in with my own why* for my business and, I had such a moment of clarity that I thought I'd check in with you.
When's the last time you actually stopped and gave some thought to a specific goal you're working on? Especially if you can't seem to get traction on it. Step one, really is knowing why you want to achieve, or have that thing. When this is clear, you're more likely to reignite the desire to pursue it, and find the confidence to take the steps to get it.
The question why can get different responses. Think about it: When you've done something, or want to do something, and someone asks you why, it can feel confronting, or put you on the defense. However, when you ask yourself the question why, and really take the time to explore your answer, you may be surprised by the response you give yourself.
You may find you gain some clarity around whether you really do want to do that thing you say you want to do. OR, you may be surprised to find out that the thing you're pursuing isn't something you want at all! It may be something you thought you wanted because others told you you should. It's complicated that way.
As you move through time, you're bound to gather learning and experiences that will shape and shift you. Knowing when to keep going with these things or to move forward onto something different, is key when it comes to being clear on your particular WHY. When you know why you're doing something, the how seems to fall into place. Things really do get more clear.
Curious?
Are you willing to give it a try?
Let's get to it...
Your challenge for the next week...
Check in with yourself this week. Is there a goal you want to achieve and you haven't made any progress on it? Here's an exercise that is best done with someone else asking you the questions and you writing the answers down WITHOUT sharing them. You can also do it by yourself.
The 5 Whys: Just like it sounds. Ask (either yourself or have someone guide you through):
Why is that thing you want important to you? Write down your answer. That's the first why.
If you have a partner, let them know when you've written your response.
Next ask, why is the answer to the previous question important to you. (Second why.)
Repeat this pattern until you've done it five times.
When you're done, notice what's different when you think about why you want that thing. You may be surprised by your own response.
The power of this exercise is in the unravelling of your thoughts without having to explain them to someone else. YOU do know your why.
Once you're clear on your why, the how seems to start falling into place.
Feeling less confident about your why than you’d like? Contact me Let's get you clear on YOUR skills, strengths and capabilities so you can be the confident person you were born to be!
Stay safe and well.
Cheers,
Ann
*My why is to reconnect you with your confidence so you can achieve your life goals.
Have you forgotten your why?