5 Steps to Discovering Your "Why." The Most Important Question You Can Ask in Business

When the "Why" is Big Enough, the "How" Will Appear.

This is an important secret I learned early.  You don't have to know how you're going to create the life you want, you just have to know why you want it and it has to come from the heart.

Knowing your “Why,” your motivating reason is essential to your success.   It will keep you going when times get tough; help you hang in there when you start to doubt.

I know several men that are Internet successes and they have mastered this one well.  Each has his own personal reason that has led to his success.  For one it’s his family, another grew up poor, for several it’s just about winning.  They play by the game, “He who dies with the most toys – wins.”  

In working with many women entrepreneurs I’ve found that they feel the toys are nice, but not a big enough reason.  Sure they like nice things, but there are other things that are as important if not more so – family, quality of life, balance, relationships, and giving back.  Why, they want it all and why not!

When I first started in business I had a younger teenage brother to support so my "Why" was about family and survival. 

As I grew and changed, my business grew and changed and my "Why" evolved.

So today my "Why" is having:

• the Security of having no debt and knowing there are plenty of funds available
• a System to generate more than enough revenue to cover my expenses each month whether I work or not
• the Satisfaction of looking in the mirror and saying, “Yes!" with humility.
• to Show my son that you can do anything you want if your heart is in it
• the Space to do pretty much what I want; when and where I want
• the Self-expression to use my talents and gifts for a higher good

Here are 5 steps to help you connect with your “Why:"

1. Space – Find a quiet space that nourishes you and one in which you won’t be disturbed.  Set aside some time, but don’t time yourself.
2. Vision – Begin with the end in mind.  Think about how you want to have lived your life.  How do you want to be remembered?  What do you have a burning desire to do, to be?  What’s most important to you?
3. Commit – Write your vision – on a piece of paper, in a journal, type it, draw it on a poster. Find a way that suits you best.  The medium doesn’t matter; what matters is that you take this step.
4. Align – Align your actions so that you’re on purpose. Work only within your gifts and talents.  Use your “Why” during the day to keep you directed.
5. Connect - Spend a few minutes each morning with it visualizing, reading, praying, or meditating on your “Why.” Again, it’s what works best for you. At the end of your work day, take a moment and ask, “What could I have done differently to help bring this into reality.”  Adjust as you feel compelled – in your actions and even in your “Why.”

These steps are just a few small changes in your routine that can produce huge results in your life and business.  

I'd like to here from you as to what you've discovered and to the progress you're making.  Please post a comment on my blog, email me, or post in Facebook.