Life hunting

It’s something I’ve been pondering a lot lately. The big W—not the who we are, the what we do or the where we happen to be, but the WHY. Why are YOU here? Why are WE here?

It’s a question I often ask my husband as we eek out meaningful career paths and envision a future of growth and giving, beyond ourselves. And, it’s something I’ve been teasing out with the brands I work with—helping their leaders (including myself) identify and articulate why we are here in the world, both as individuals and as brands—the businesses we are shaping, to create meaningful and lasting change in this world.

So, why WHY?  Simply, ‘Why’ gets to the heart of matters. It goes deep. As a toddler, my cousin’s most used word was ‘Why?’

“Why do you like it?” he’d quib.

“Because I like it,” I’d reply.

“But, why do you like it?” he’d euphorically counter.

Perhaps, it’s this childlike wonderment and curiosity that what we need in order to break free from our status quo way of being to go deep within and forage our own north star. So, let’s give it a try:

Start by asking yourself just ONE simple and profound question

Why am I here in the world?

By way of example, here’s my impromptu response

To cultivate and propagate love, compassion and empathy for all of life—people, plants and animals—for worldwide health and happiness.

Now, it’s your turn.

If you need help getting to your ‘why’, try the following ‘unlocking’ techniques

• Envision things that make you smile and evoke happiness. Jot the broad-scoped and specific words down as they come, like ‘rescuing abandoned dogs’, ‘education’, ‘healthy living’, ‘veganism’, etc. Then take this list and edit it down to the few that instinctually resonate. These words will likely shape your ‘Why’ statement. Yes, this is an emotional and gut (instinct-based) way to get to your ‘truth’—the heart and soul of who you are and what you care about most. Your why!
• If you really want to tap into your inner inspiration, try drawing, collaging, playdough-ing (sculpting) and/or lego-architecting your internal compass—that which gets you up in the morning and keeps you dreaming, progressing and growing. Because, you’re ‘Why’ will express itself. There’s no need to rush the process of creating and translating your visual vision into words. If it’s not hitting you over the head, let it sit for a night and try articulating your ‘why’ the next day in words that mean something authentic, motivating and honorable to you. No judgement.

And, most importantly, start distilling your purposeful ‘Why’. Your life will take on a whole new meaning and those around you will be thankful.