In the fast-paced world of business and coaching, clarity of purpose is essential for staying focused and driven. But the foundation of this clarity lies in understanding one central concept: your WHY. The question isn't just "What do I want?" but why do you want it?

As renowned leadership expert Sam Chand wisely puts it: “Your WHY is the fuel for what motivates you. The stronger and clearer your WHY, the stronger the motivation.” When we know our WHY, it becomes a powerful guiding force that leads us through challenges, fuels our passion, and drives us toward meaningful success.

Let’s explore!

The Power of Your WHY: Motivation, Focus, and Fulfillment

At the heart of personal and professional success is a powerful truth: Knowing your WHY eliminates distraction and gives you clear focus. Otherwise, it’s easy to get sidetracked by the demands of daily life, external pressures, and constant multitasking.

But what exactly is your WHY? Your WHY is the reason you get up in the morning. It’s what drives you even when things get tough. Knowing your WHY gives you passion, purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.

This clarity allows you to make clear, confident decisions. When you know your WHY, your choices become less about reacting and more about staying true to your core values and mission. As Sam Chand puts it, knowing your WHY allows you to make clear decisions.

Becoming Aware of Your WHY

Discovering your WHY is a journey of self-awareness. It involves understanding what truly motivates you. Let’s break it down:

1. Be aware of what you love, are passionate about, and would pursue lifelong.
   Knowing your passions helps uncover what really matters to you and is reflected in the work or mission that aligns with your deepest values.
2. Be aware of your inner beliefs about yourself, others, and life.
   Are your beliefs holding you back, or propelling you toward your purpose?
3. Be aware of your life’s journey and what has fueled it.
   What has motivated you along the way? These pivotal experiences often reveal more about your WHY.
4. Be aware of what you want your future to be.
   Your WHY is often tied to the legacy you want to leave. What do you want to contribute in the years to come?
5. Be aware of what others say about you.
   Pay attention to your colleagues, clients, and mentors. What do they see in you that you might not recognize in yourself?
6. Be aware of your personal mission statement.
   Developing a personal mission statement is an excellent way to articulate your WHY. It’s a clear, concise description of what you are here to achieve.

WHY Power vs. WILL Power

It’s easy to think that sheer determination or willpower can carry us through tough times. However, WHY power is stronger than WILL power. Willpower is finite—it can wane when the going gets tough. But when your actions are aligned with your WHY, the drive to keep moving forward becomes inherent, even in the face of adversity.

As life coaches and business professionals, understanding the power of WHY is essential—for ourselves and the people we serve. By helping others uncover their WHY, we provide them with the tools to achieve their fullest potential.

So take a moment to reflect—do you know your WHY? If not, it’s time to start the journey of self-awareness that will lead you to greater success, impact, and satisfaction.

-Coach Robin Buttler