As leaders, we are encouraged to answer the question, “Why do you lead?” We seem to get it from every possible angle: great books on leadership (Start with Why by Simon Sinek, for example), the podcasts we listen to, the email newsletters in our inbox, and the leadership groups we follow on social media.
That’s the wrong question. Asking “Why?” doesn’t lead to concrete, specific answers. The better question to ask is, “What?” As in, What do you believe? What do you do? What motivates you? “I want to see them smile” is more concrete than “I want to make an impact.” Making an impact is vague. Visualizing another person smiling is something everyone does. It’s answers to those questions that resonate and point you towards your “why.”
You can define the specific instances, events, triumphs, and failures that drive you. These things define your beliefs, purpose, and actions to achieve it.
This points to an underlying fact: No one chooses their why. You have to discover it. It exists deep down inside you, your “gut feeling, shaped by your experiences, gifts, and nature. You have to choose to discover it deliberately and put it into words.
Sometimes, extreme adversity helps or causes you to discover your why. You may have to hit rock bottom to discover it, but struggle can often reveal it. Don’t overlook the negative experiences that reside deep in your gut. You need to discover that as well.
Here are some questions that might be helpful for you to discover your purpose:
What feelings of gratitude or awe point me toward a greater purpose beyond myself?
What gifts and talents do I have that serve others?
What activities make me lose track of time and feel energized?
What problems spark a sense of urgency or passion within me?
What skills or talents do I naturally gravitate towards using?
Who are the historical or contemporary figures I admire most, and why?
What causes or issues have I consistently volunteered my time or energy for?
What kind of work am I doing when I imagine my ideal future?
What are my core values, and how can I integrate them into a meaningful path?
What brings me a sense of peace and fulfillment beyond external rewards?
What childhood dreams or aspirations have stayed with me throughout the years?
What compliments or recognition do I consistently receive?
What brings out the most creative, innovative, or helpful parts of myself?
What legacy do I want to leave for my loved ones, community, or future generations?
When learning something new, what areas capture my interest most readily?
What results or outcomes in my past projects or experiences have satisfied me most?
If limitations weren’t a factor, what problems would I dedicate myself to solving?
What brings me a sense of awe, wonder, or inspiration, and can that be a guiding force?
Not all of these questions will resonate with you, but enough will that you can choose to discover your purpose and create your answer to “Why?”