When I look at the challenges that people have in sticking to or maintaining focus, there seems to be a disconnect that kills motivation. Life comes at you so fast that you can often find yourself going days without really doing anything you really wanted to do and instead, you’ve spent your time “just doing.” We do things because “its easy.” We do things because we “have to.” We do things because we “need to.” But how often do we really do things because we really “want to?”
I find myself slipping into this scenario sometimes – I live without purpose and just do things because it’s there to do. I don’t claim this to be a bad thing, it just happens. But I can’t say it is really that good of a thing either. Life is a lot more fun when you are actively living it, the way you want, instead of passively going from day to day. That is why I like to look at defining the “whys” in life so that they in turn can direct you in the “whats” that you do.
What do I mean by this? Well, let’s look at a few examples.
Most people typically go to work for around 8-9 hours/day. So why do we spend so much time away from our family and other interests? Hopefully you really enjoy what you do, for if you don’t, it’s probably a long day at the office. But assuming you do love your work, ask yourself why you’re doing it? Is it for the money, the recognition, the challenge or what? Do you come home from work energized or drained? Is there purpose behind your work that moves you to want to be a better person? I would hope that in answering these and other similar questions, you would find some strong reasons that help you understand why you do what you do.
How about your social things you do? How often do you do things because you committed yourself without really considering if you wanted to do it? Are the majority of your friends and social situations moving and inspiring to you? More close to home, do you enjoy the time you spend with your spouse and/or kids or is there some obligation that you feel? When you have free time, do you choose something you want to do or do you look at the list of things to do and groan.
Hopefully, as you consider these scenarios, you are feeling good about your reasons behind doing things. Your “whys” are aligned and drive your “whats.” If not, then that’s where reconsidering and aligning your motivations might be a very good thing.
Once you know what drives you, or as I’m defining it, the “why” of what you do, then the actual doing of those things becomes more inspiring to you. Take your work situation again. If you know that not only do you look for the opportunity to solve challenges and make life better for others in your work but also that ultimately you’re working so you can better provide for yourself and your loved ones, you can have much more purpose to your day. You still spend the same 8-9 hours “working” but there is a strong “why” driving your behavior.
Life is so much more enjoyable this way. I’ve seen it change for many people as well as myself. If you need help finding your “why,” then get that help. At the bare minimum write down your reasons for doing the major things in your life.
Here’s to finding and living the “why!”
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Very interesting article, thanks. Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much for sharing this. Please keep up the good work.