Your why. Your purpose. The meaning of your life. The reason you get out of bed in the morning. Can you name that thing right now? Don't feel bad if you can't. I read somewhere that more than two-thirds of humans can't articulate their purpose. I don't recall giving it much thought until I was well into my 30's and didn't bother to really put it into words for another decade after that. I suspect I was afraid to find out that I had no purpose.
According to Simon Sinek, an author, speaker, leadership guru, Ted Talk rock star, and self-labeled unshakable optimist, we all have a why. But it takes a little bit of effort to find it or identify it. He recommends a simple test to help you get to your why: ask one of your close friends why they're friends with you. Don't let them off the hook with easy answers like "because you're kind" or "you make me laugh." Force them to go a little deeper and when they say words that give you goosebumps (or something like that), then you're on to it. Watch this video of Simon Sinek himself explaining how the "friends test" works.
Why does why matter?
Considering that most people go through life without being able to articulate their why or their purpose (or having a real desire to), it's obviously not a requirement for living. It's not like air or water. But there's research that shows that knowing your why contributes to better physical and mental health, reduced risk of chronic disease, and longevity. Even without the health benefits, there's a lot to be gained from the clarity, help in decision-making, focus, and satisfaction that comes from understanding your purpose.
I think some of us get hung up on the need to have a grand purpose like "solving world hunger" or "ending racism in America." Those are both excellent ambitions, but also heavy burdens to bear. Alternately, a purpose focused on personal gain like earning a shit ton of money or winning more 5K road races than your neighbor might be more fun but it's not very meaningful.
Define your why, eight ways
An individual's purpose describes how they contribute to others or to the spaces around them and it can be represented by relatively small actions. There are number of approaches to describing your purpose or why.
Fill in the blank. Simon Sinek boils a why statement down to this format: To_________ so that _______________. The first blank is your contribution to the lives of others and the second blank is the impact of your contribution.
“To inspire people to do the things that inspire them so that, together, we can change the world.” (Simon Sinek)
Design a bumper sticker. In as many words as will fit on a bumper sticker, sum up what matters most to you.
"The road goes on forever and the party never ends…"
Write a mission statement. You undoubtedly worked for a company that espoused a grand mission. What's your one sentence mission?
"To be kind to others and myself."
Utter a mantra. I mentioned a few creativity mantras in last week's post. What's a mantra that helps you achieve a meaningful life in spite of questions, set-backs, or the metaphorical curve ball?
"To be happy, act like a happy person."
Declare a manifesto. Give yourself a page of words to tell the world what you believe, what you know is true, and what you want for humanity.
Write your eulogy. I know. Morbid. But it'll help you understand how you want to be remembered and therefore, how to be.
Make a business card. Give yourself a descriptive title and short but meaningful job description.
"Creativity Evangelist, Helping others grow creative courage"
Identify your ikigai (ee-key-guy). This is the Japanese concept of a "reason for being." It's generally used in terms of career and encompasses what you love, what you're good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs.
Okay, that's enough for now, enough to get you thinking. We'll pick this up again next week. Your reason for being deserves more than one blog post, don't you think?
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