I recently read Simon Sinek’s book, Start With Why. It’s a brilliant book aimed at business, but it has really made me think about myself, and my company, on a deeper level. I’ve frequently asked myself the questions, “What would I like my legacy to be?” and “Why am I here?” But after reading this book, why comes first.
People tend to have very clear ideas about what they do, what they want, what they don’t want, and what they earn. They visualize what they want their lives to be. But I really believe that Simon Sinek is onto something. That “what” is important, of course, but with every task we take on in life, we should first ask ourselves the question, “Why am I doing this?” Ask yourself now: Why do you do what you do? Why do you want a family? Why do you have kids? Why do you want to be rich? Why do you want more? Why do you live where you live?
When I made the career change into personal development, which was coupled with a location change from Spain to England, I did some deep soul searching. It was a complete lifestyle change, and my new career was alien to me. I had to remind myself that I enjoy what I do. I enjoy working with inspirational people I love, providing people with resources to better themselves. And I get a kick out of it when I see that what we do helps people, inspires them, and creates hope.
We have so many articles from great contributors this month – many of them who, like me, made a career change from something else to personal development. Gemma Bailey, for instance, feels passionately that NLP should be taught in schools because she, like so many NLP practitioners, wishes she had learned these techniques earlier in life. So she has taken matters into her own hands and started an organization called NLP4Kids, which she tells us all about. And we are thrilled to welcome the English Sisters, who specialize in helping people achieve a stress-free life – a lesson we could all learn. And speaking of stress, few lifestyles are as stressful as that of a single mom. We talk to Jennifer Lopez about how she deals with the challenge, amongst other things.
I have had to face a few challenges myself recently, but you know what? I mean, you know why? I face these challenges head on and come out the other side because I love it. So my advice to you, which I will try and implement myself, is to remember why you do what you do. And if the why isn’t clear, maybe it’s time to move on. Life’s too short.
“A life without cause is a life without effect.” – Barbarella