Start With Why

When I first discovered this thing called WHY, it came at a time in my life when I needed it. It wasn't an academic or intellectual pursuit; I had fallen out of love with my work and found myself in a very dark place. There was nothing wrong with the quality of my work of my job per se; it was the enjoyment I had for that work that I'd lost.  By all superficial measurements, I should have been happy. I made a good living. I worked with great clients. The problem was, I didn't feel it. I was no longer fulfilled by my work and I needed to find a way to rekindle my passion. 

The discovery of my WHY completely changed my worldview and restored my passion to a degree multiple times greater than at any other time of my life. 

Great leaders are able to inspire people to act. Those who are able to inspire give people a sense of purpose or belonging that has little to do with any external incentive or benefit to be gained. Those who truly lead are able to create a following of people who act not because they are swayed, but because they were inspired. For those who are inspired, the motivation to act is deeply personal. They are less likely to be swayed by incentives. Those who are inspired are willing to pay a premium or endure inconvenience, even personal suffering. Those who are able to inspire will create a following of people - supporters, voters, customers, workers, who act for the good of the whole not because they have to, but because they want to. 

What if we could learn to think, act, and communicate like those who inspire us? 

People who love going to work are more productive and more creative. They go home happier and have happier families. They treat their colleagues and clients and customers better. Inspired employees make for stronger companies and stronger economies. 

I hope to inspire others to do things that inspire them. For those who have an open mind for new ideas, who seek to create long - lasting success, and who believe that your success requires the aid of others, I offer you a challenge. From now on, start with WHY.