Finding Your Why: The Key to Greater Motivation, Meaning and Momentum
- Leslie Speas
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions at work or in life? Like you're busy but not fulfilled? If so, it doesn’t mean you are broken. You may just be disconnected from your why.
Your why is your purpose, the deeper reason behind what you do. It’s what fuels your motivation, clarifies your decisions, and connects your work to a greater impact. Whether you’re a leader, a professional in transition, or someone craving more meaning, discovering your why can be life-changing!
How to Find It:
Here are 10 questions to help you get started:
1. What activities make you feel energized, even when they’re hard?
2. When have you felt most proud of yourself—and why?
3. What kind of problems do you love solving?
4. What breaks your heart or fires you up?
5. What do people thank you for?
6. If money and time weren’t a factor, how would you spend your days?
7. What values are non-negotiable for you?
8. Who inspires you—and what about their life or work resonates with you?
9. When do you feel most like yourself?
10. What legacy do you want to leave?
Here are 4 additional ways to discover your why:
1. 🔁 Look Back to Move Forward
Create a timeline of your life, marking your high points (when you felt alive and fulfilled) and your low points (times of stress or misalignment). What patterns do you see? Your why often reveals itself in both the peaks and the valleys.
2. ✍️ Keep a Reflection Journal
For 1–2 weeks, write daily answers to prompts like:
What gave me energy today?
What drained me?
What felt meaningful?
This daily habit builds awareness of what consistently lights you up (or drags you down).
3. 🗣 Ask People You Trust
Others often see strengths and passions we overlook. Ask questions like:
When have you seen me at my best?
What do you think I’m naturally good at?
What do I get excited talking about?
Their feedback can offer powerful clues.
4. 🧠 Take a Purpose or Strengths Assessment
Tools like:
Working Genius
CliftonStrengths
VIA Character Strengths
Enneagram
…can help name your natural strengths and motivators.
🧭 Once you have explored and clarified your purpose, write it down?
Try this simple formula:
I exist to [impact] by [using strength or skill] for [people or purpose].
Mine is below:
“I exist to help individuals reach their God-given potential and organizations create workplaces where employees will stay and thrive.”
Final Thoughts
Once you discover your why, the next step is to align your actions.
Ask yourself:
Are my daily activities reflecting my values?
Does my current role allow me to live out my purpose?
What small shifts could help me lead a more purpose-driven life?
Comentarios