I watched this TED Talk by Simon Sinek a few weeks ago. In it, Sinek explains what differentiates businesses from one another. He explained, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”
This concept made me stop and think about how I can apply it to my own personal and professional life. Lots of people can do what I do professionally. Lots of people are parents and work. There are many people that work with athletes every day, but it’s how and why people do it that makes the experiences truly what they are.
Knowing your “why” is a question that many will advise you to get clear on throughout your professional career. It’s been said to me countless times throughout my 10+ years in the business world. It’s also especially prominent advice in the current professional landscape (a lot of millennials entering the workforce, companies vying for the same top talent and a competitive job market in most parts of the U.S.).
It’s not to say that you work won’t be fulfilling, impactful or effective if you don’t know your “why,” but it will likely never be at its full potential. This also rings true for the potential of businesses. Your "why" is the foundation for how you show up each day – in whatever it is that you do. It’s what differentiates you from others.
My “why” has changed over the years. It’s now bigger than me, my wants and my desires. My "why" is:
- Showing my kids what it looks like to have a passion and to follow it.
- Demonstrating for my young daughter what it looks like to be a strong independent woman.
- Living as an example that you can be what you want if you set goals and work hard towards them.
- Impacting and empowering the lives of as many young individuals (and athletes) as possible.
Understanding your “why” drives your decisions and gives you a leg to stand on when you aren’t sure what decision to make. This concept is now clearer than ever before. It’s something I can hold on to and leverage as my secret weapon in all that I do.
Take a minute and think about it… What’s your “why?”
