Find your why

Written By Georgia Lush

Finding your WHY is like finding a piece of a jigsaw puzzle. When you know what your piece looks like, it’s much easier to see where it does or doesn’t fit. It gives you clarity around what’s important to you, and can help you make decisions that better fit.

When people seek to find their why, they are seeking a way to live their life on purpose - with intentionality. Living on purpose feels alive and authentic. Time can disappear, and we feel more content and fulfilled.

And while this all sounds great, people can find it hard to figure out. Here are some ideas that might help.

Simon Sinek suggests asking a close friend why they are friends with you. I like his recommendation to steer clear of asking a sibling or a spouse as they are simply too close to you. But a friend can shed light on why they have chosen to have you in their lives. What is it about you that draws you to them? Why do they want to spend time with you? What do they miss when they can’t?

As someone who writes as a way to explore my thinking, I came across an interesting question in a Forbes article by Margie Warrell: What makes you come alive? I love this question as it’s bigger than where you add value or what motivates you. It’s about knowing what drives you. I defined my purpose a long time ago with a coaching colleague and for me, it still stands the test of time. Let it shine speaks to me of my home and my family and of the work I do. It helps me choose between options and feel fulfilled even when what I am doing might seem small.

Knowing your why can then allow you to tap into your innate strengths to do something that to you feels important, worthwhile or useful. I have a saying to live intentionally. Not make it through the day, but make the day. I have added a third resource below that helps you find your character strengths, which in turn help you apply them to what is important for you.

Resources:

Georgia Lush
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