Finding your “why” is about discovering the deeper purpose and meaning behind what you do. It’s about understanding what motivates you, what drives you, and what gives your life and work a sense of fulfilment and meaning.
Note from me: When building a brand or trying to figure out your life, the best thing to do is figure out your “Why”
By doing this, you clearly understand what you are doing and the reason for it. When roadblocks come your way, you can see how to overcome them and easily move past them without being overwhelmed or losing your mind.
With saying all of this, It’s so much easier said than done, like exactly how do you find your “why.”
Here are some steps that helped me figure out my “why” I hope they help you find your “why” too:
- Reflect on your values: Consider the values that are most important to you, such as honesty, integrity, compassion, or creativity. Think about how these values have shaped your life and work, and how you can incorporate them into your purpose or mission.
- Identify your passions: Think about the things you are most passionate about, whether it’s a hobby, a cause, or a particular area of expertise. Consider how you can use your passions to create a meaningful impact in the world.
- Think about your strengths: Consider your unique talents, skills, and experiences, and how you can use them to make a positive difference. Think about how you can leverage your strengths to pursue your purpose or mission.
- Identify your impact: Consider the impact you want to have on the world, whether it’s to make a positive change in your community, to inspire others, or to create something that will last for generations. Think about how you can align your purpose or mission with your desired impact.
- Create a mission statement: Use the insights you have gained from reflecting on your values, passions, strengths, and impact to create a mission statement that defines your “why.” Your mission statement should be clear, concise, and compelling, and should articulate the deeper purpose and meaning behind what you do.
- Test your mission statement: Once you have created your mission statement, test it out by sharing it with others and getting their feedback. Ask yourself whether your mission statement resonates with others, whether it inspires you, and whether it accurately reflects your values, passions, strengths, and impact.
Remember that finding your “why” is an ongoing process that requires reflection, self-awareness, and a willingness to adapt and evolve. Be open to new experiences, seek feedback from others, and continue to refine your purpose and mission over time. With dedication and effort, you can discover your “why” and live a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
So, how do you find your “Value.”
Figuring out your values is an important step in understanding who you are and what is important to you. Your values are the principles, beliefs, and standards that guide your decisions and behaviours in life. Here are some steps to help you figure out your values:
- Reflect on your past experiences: Think about the experiences in your life that have been most meaningful to you. Consider why these experiences were important and what values they represent. For example, if you felt particularly fulfilled volunteering at a homeless shelter, this may indicate that the value of compassion is important to you.
- Identify the people you admire: Think about the people in your life or in the public eye whom you admire and look up to. Consider what qualities or values they possess that you find inspiring. This can help you identify values that are important to you.
- Consider your priorities: Think about the things in your life that are most important to you, such as family, career, health, or spirituality. Consider what values these priorities represent. For example, if you prioritise your health, this may indicate that the value of self-care is important to you.
- Use a values list: There are many values lists available online that can help you identify values that resonate with you. These lists typically include values such as honesty, integrity, creativity, and empathy. Review the list and choose the values that feel most important to you.
- Think about what makes you feel fulfilled: Consider the activities or experiences that make you feel most fulfilled and satisfied. Think about what values these experiences represent. For example, if you feel fulfilled when you’re helping others, this may indicate that the value of service is important to you.
- Write it down: Once you’ve identified your values, write them down in a journal or notebook. This can help you clarify and solidify your understanding of your values, and can serve as a reminder of what is important to you.
Remember that your values may change over time as you grow and evolve. It’s important to regularly check in with yourself and reevaluate your values to ensure they still align with who you are and what you want to achieve in life.
But what happens if you don’t know your impact?
If you don’t know your impact, it can be difficult to fully understand your purpose and the deeper meaning behind what you do. However, there are a few steps you can take to begin identifying your impact:
- Start by reflecting on your goals and aspirations: Think about what you hope to achieve in your personal and professional life. Consider the impact you want to have on others and the world around you. This can help you identify the areas where you want to make a difference.
- Seek feedback from others: Ask colleagues, friends, and family members for feedback on how you have impacted them. This can help you gain a better understanding of the ways in which your actions and behaviours have influenced others.
- Look for patterns: Consider the ways in which you have made a positive impact in the past. Look for patterns or themes in your experiences, such as a consistent ability to inspire others or a talent for bringing people together.
- Identify your strengths: Consider your unique talents, skills, and experiences, and how they can be used to make a positive impact. Think about the areas where you can add the most value and where your contributions can be the most impactful.
- Start small: Even small actions can have a big impact on others. Look for opportunities to make a difference in your daily life, whether it’s by volunteering in your community, mentoring a colleague, or simply offering a kind word to someone in need.
Remember that identifying your impact is an ongoing process that requires self-reflection, feedback from others, and a willingness to learn and grow. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right away. By taking small steps and staying focused on your goals, you can begin to identify your impact and live a more purposeful and fulfilling life.
What does a mission statement look like?
A mission statement is a brief statement that describes the purpose and values of an organisation or individual. It should capture the essence of what you or your organisation stands for, what you do, and why you do it. Here is an example of what a mission statement might look like:
For an individual: “I strive to live a life of integrity and purpose, using my talents and abilities to make a positive impact on others and the world around me.”
For an organisation: “Our mission is to provide high-quality products and services that meet the needs of our customers while also promoting social and environmental responsibility. We are committed to creating a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration, and to make a positive impact on our employees, customers, and communities.”
When writing a mission statement, it’s important to keep it clear, concise, and easy to understand. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to your audience. Your mission statement should also be inspiring and meaningful, capturing the passion and purpose behind what you do. Finally, it should be aligned with your values and goals, reflecting what is most important to you or your organisation.
I like to read this once or twice a day so you can keep it fresh in your mind, and you can also get your team to read it daily for an organisation (Not your personal one). This keeps your team on the same thinking as you, and you are all able to head towards the same goal with no misunderstanding.
In conclusion, finding your “why” is a crucial step in understanding your purpose and meaning in life. By reflecting on your values, passions, strengths, impact, and creating a mission statement, you can define your “why” and use it as a guide for your decisions and actions. Identifying your values and impact is also essential for understanding your purpose and making a positive difference in the world. Remember that this is an ongoing process, and it requires reflection, self-awareness, and a willingness to adapt and evolve. With dedication and effort, you can discover your “why,” live a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life, and make a meaningful impact on others and the world around you.
I hope the above information helps you in your journey to finding your “why”, helping with calming your mind and helping you set clear goals and direction.
Enjoy your “why”