| Remember when you were a kid, and asked your parents why questions? As in, “Why do I have to do that?” The go-to answer in the parenting toolbox was usually “Because I said so!” Now that you’re an adult (or on your way to becoming one), it’s time to revisit your deepest WHY questions. Usually we’re stuck in WHAT and HOW mode: * WHAT do I want to do with my life? * HOW can I achieve my goals? Before tackling these types of questions, lay the foundation with why: WHY do I want to pursue this direction in life? Simon Sinek wrote a whole book about it: Start With Why. Why questions dig deep into our purpose. They unlock the reasons beneath our pursuits. Asking why helps us understand our motivations and can even prevent us from heading in the wrong direction when we find that the answer leaves us feeling hollow (because I’ll make more money or because it will make my parents proud of me) Why questions don’t just look forward to goals, why questions can also unlock past mistakes and bad habits. For example, if you find that you tend to self-sabotage right when you’re making progress, ask “why do I keep repeating this self-destructive pattern?” You may have to ask the question several times before you get to the actual answer. Why questions don’t always start with the word “why.” Some “what” questions are actually why questions in disguise, such as “What is my motivation to pursue an MBA?” Any question that gets to the heart of your reasons for wanting something (future-oriented), or the causes of your behavior (past-oriented) can help you understand yourself so much better. Knowing WHY makes you confident that you’re on the right track. |
Move Beyond “What” and “How” to “WHY”
