What Is Your BIG Why?

When running a business, being an entrepreneur, or having a career, things can get tough. I believe we can all agree that these are challenging and uncertain times. If you don’t know “WHY” (your purpose) you’re doing what you’re doing, it could become downright miserable. Having a purpose in life (knowing your WHY) is your guiding light when things get dark.

German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche once said, “He who has a why can endure any how.” Knowing your ‘why’ is an important first step in figuring out how to achieve the goals that excite you and create a career and life you enjoy living (versus merely surviving!). Your ‘why’ is the one constant that will guide you toward fulfillment in work and life, no matter how difficult things get.

Indeed, only when you know your ‘why’ will you find the courage to take bold action needed to get ahead, stay motivated when the chips are down, and turn your dreams into reality.

No matter what your job, you can draw meaning from it and find greater purpose through how you do what you do.

For many years, I believed my job was to train and coach sales professionals. When I opened the Selling Skills Institute in 1999, my primary purpose of being in business was about supporting my family—about making enough money to pay the bills and keep food on the table. That’s the reality for most people when they start a business or begin their career.

But as I became more successful, my mindset shifted. Gradually, I worked my way out of desperation mode—my business started to come together. I caught a few breaks, got lots of help from incredible people, and I kept my nose doggedly to the grindstone.

During the past 10 years, my business has been amazing—but not because I’ve made lots of money—I’ve never been interested in “chasing the money” or accumulating wealth (although, I have no problem, what’s-so-ever, if other people’s passion is to earn lots of money). I actually live a pretty simple life. I focus my time and energy on the things that matter most—staying healthy, spending quality time with my wife and family, and being happy. Amazing because I started to see my students and clients achieve success, often times exceeding my own success. It has been a truly rewarding experience.

I used to think that what I did for work was training and coaching. 

It’s been more than 20 years since I founded the Selling Skills Institute. I love what I do. Today, my professional mission is laser focused on making an indelible mark on the careers and lives of those I work with. I want to be of significant service to others by helping them unleash their potential and achieve their goals.

To live a happy and successful life, you can’t just focus on you. Focus on loving, serving, and caring and watch the impact it has on your life and everyone around you.

A mentor of mine once shared a quote with me from Professor Terry Orlick. He said, “The heart of human excellence often begins to beat when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you, frees you, or gives you a sense of meaning, joy, or passion.” When you have a strong passion, you don’t have to be pushed, your passion will drive you there.

Here’s an uplifting story. It’s about three bricklayers and how they described their work. It’s told by John C. Maxwell, an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. He describes a man who came across three bricklayers busy at work. The man asked the first bricklayer what he was doing. “I’m laying bricks,” the worker replied. He then asked the second bricklayer the same question. “I’m putting up a wall,” he said. The passerby then asked the question one more time, this time to the third bricklayer. The response: “I’m building a cathedral.”

What do you do for a living?

I rarely come across a person who could be described as “purposeless.” I’ve noticed most people do have a purpose in life no matter how big or small. Yet it’s usually in a nebulous state that seems to be waiting for something or someone to come along and help crystalize it for them.

Identifying, acknowledging, and honoring your purpose is perhaps the most important action successful people take.

The Coronavirus pandemic has forced many individuals to reconsider their purpose. Maybe this is an opportune time to think honestly about what you’re passionate about. What motivates you? What interests you personally and professionally? What work do you enjoy doing? And how you can make a positive difference in the lives of other people? Explore your purpose, write it down, crystalize it, and when you are ready, share it with others.

A clear sense of purpose enables you to focus your efforts on what matters most, compelling you to push forward regardless of the odds or obstacles.

Tony Robbins said it best, “The real joy in life comes from finding your true purpose and aligning it with what you do every day.”

Charlie Anderson is President of the Selling Skills Institute. He is the creator of Shift Thinking, a unique mindset shift teaching method that enables individuals to continue to grow, thrive, and realize their goals and dreams in all areas of life.

Charlie is the author of five books, including his number-one bestseller, How to Win Big, which he co-authored with the legendary personal development trainer, speaker, and author, Brian Tracy.

If you want to reach out to me, feel free to call or email. If I can be a helpful resource, I would be glad to respond. No strings attached. Okay?

To contact Charlie call 339-927-2746 or email him at charlie@shiftthinking.net