Often when I first start coaching with a new client, she’s got a lot on her plate: working, taking care of family, serving in the community, trying to grow her career or business, and more. Many times she feels near-exhaustion or on the verge of burnout – only to get up and repeat the cycle the next day.
So I often ask, “What’s it all for?”
Put another way, “What’s your ‘Why’?”
If you want to stay fully in the game and serve at your highest, most impactful level, you need to know your Why. As Rabbi Harold Kushner so eloquently said, “Burnout results not from hard work – people are capable of working very hard – but from a sense of futility, the fear that all the hard work isn’t making a difference.”
What’s YOUR Why at work? Why do you continue to show up at the office, dedicate your strengths and energy, and contribute? Why do you hop in your car (or, for many entrepreneurs, head up or down the stairs), maybe leaving the comforts of your bed or your cherished family, to do what you do?
Perhaps these 3 questions will help you zero in on your Why:
- What’s your definition of success?
- What are your core values?
- What lights your fire, kickstarts your day, or – conversely – breaks your heart but prompts you into action?
When it comes to meaningful work and leading with authenticity, your Why must drive your actions and remind you how important your work is.
Personally, a big Why for my work is my consuming belief that we can each change the world for the better, and I want to be a catalyst in that for as many people as possible. Knowing this helps me show up to MAP Inc. headquarters ready to play full out and engage in a bigger game.
I could fulfill this ‘Why’ in another organization, for sure. But one of my big Why’s for running my own firm is the freedom to honor my core values and top priorities – such as a flexible schedule so I can attend my kids’ sports events and school concerts. Knowing this helps me carry on with my business, even on the days when it feels challenging.
If you’ve lost sight of your Why or never felt very clear about it in the first place, I encourage you to reflect on these 3 questions and see what you generate. Your Why is in there – it’s embedded in your actions, behaviors, and decisions every day – you just need to uncover it and let it shine.
And a little secret? Your Why reveals your purpose. And knowing that makes all the difference.
Here’s to your meaningful career and purposeful life!
Want to become crystal clear on your Why and create meaningful work? Join us for Spark in October – details here!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please share them below or on Facebook and Twitter.
Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches business owners and leaders to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.