It's so simple that it's amazing that we rarely ask it.... But it really can make or break us. It can help us decide whether to keep going or put on the brakes. It can help us define why we do what we do. It can make a business great and even meaningful or keep it stuck in mediocrity or mess. It can save gobs of money or direct you on where to spend it. Answering it may just save you and yours a whole lot of pain. NOT answering it may cost you dearly.
OK... so what's the question already?
It's simply this: "Why am I doing this?" Or if, you're a family, company or an organization: "Why are we doing this?"
Just think about it: When you answer that question, you get back to the foundational core motivation of what makes you do what you do. You get to what's true and authentic. You rid yourself of being phony. And you may just open up the deeper meaning of why you exist. AND: you may come to the conclusion to stop doing it if it's not good, helpful or meaningful. Stop a business pursuit. Stop a relationship. Stop an activity.
Here are some examples:
Why am I/we doing this job?
Why am I/we pursuing this activity?
Why am I/we spending so much time on this?
Why am I/we seeking to make this relationship a priority?
Why am I/we believing what I believe?
Possible Not So Positive Answers: Because I'm afraid to change. Because it's become habitual for me. Because I don't know what else to do. Because I have no idea, that's why. Because I'm afraid to ask questions.
Yes, it takes courage and thought to ask the "Why am I doing this question?" And most will just be "too busy," "too stressed," "too distracted" or "too unwilling to think deeply" to ask. And they will keep doing the same things over and over again expecting different results. They will miss out on living dreams. They may even miss the deeper meaning of their lives, their callings or their opportunity to make life better for all.
Those who answer it will live in their skin and live with purpose and often passion. They say "yes" to the best "why do's" and no to the not so best ones.
Are you willing to ask the "one question that can change everything?" Go ahead. Give it a try!
