Why YOUR Why Matters
Who, what, when, where, WHY and how. In elementary school I was taught those 5 “W”s and that random “H” but I vividly remember answering reading comprehension questions and breezing through each of those points but for some reason I always struggled with “Why.” It would turn my 5 minute assignment into a 50 minute assignment just like that. As I began to mature and understand the purposes of each of the 5 “W”s I began to understand why I struggled. Who, what, when, where and even how are easily identifiable characteristics that must be stated because they are external actions that occur physically. However, “why” is an internal occurrence that requires special detail and context clues to help identify its nature. It’s easy to point out things that happen externally because it can be seen and understood by others. However, a “Why” or someone’s “Why” is an internal matter or motive that determines the actions that occur afterwards. As I began to grasp this concept, I realized that there’s actually immense power in what I once perceived as difficult. I discovered that in order to determine “Why” a situation occurs or “why” someone reacts in the manner that they do, that I would first have to put myself in the shoes of that person or situation. I would have to seek to understand why I would do something if I was in the circumstance that they were in. The moment when I empathize with that situation or individual, is when I begin to understand and/or discover the “Why” of what occurs! And that ladies and gentlemen is when I finally began to pass my reading comprehension assignments!
In all honesty throughout my college experience thus far, I’ve begun to recognize the sheer power of my personal motives. The reason “why” I do something is what dictates who I go to, what it is that I do, where I choose to do it, when I do it and how I seek to accomplish it. The “why” is not the final mark, it’s actually the beginning.
College has taught me many harsh lessons but it’s forced me to ask myself many, many times why it is that I do something and why it is that I’m still here. I’ve discovered strength in knowing and walking in my “why.” When you can clearly understand what it is that drives you, you are less likely to fall off course.
So, why (no pun intended) am I sharing this? I’m sharing this because if you feel discouraged, like giving up or overwhelmed, I want you to take 10 minutes out of your day to realign yourself with YOU. Ask yourself, “why am I here”, “what do I seek to accomplish”, “why does this thing matter to me” and “how will this thing push me in the direction that I am seeking.” Questions like that force yourself to recognize the bigger picture. Oftentimes in the moments when we are most stressed or overwhelmed, we struggle to focus or lose sight of our true goal. In order to help yourself get back on track, try asking yourself why and seek to discover your motive of what truly speaks to your heart. Doing so will help you lead a life that is more intentional, purposeful and most importantly, happy.
Life is not guaranteed. Tomorrow is not promised. So, today, I’m asking you to remind yourself of your “why.” You might discover something you’ve lost sight of.
Believe in yourself and believe in your why, it’s worth it because it matters to YOU.
