How to truly understand why you’re doing something.
Everyday business leaders, designers and individuals face a myriad of decisions. What should I put on my toast? Blue or black socks? Even, shall I put on a podcast or Her’s latest banger? They’re small decisions, but, they’re all around.
What about when you then get to work and your personal preferences go out the window? It’s no longer about whether or not you wanted Janice to have a baby girl or a boy, or even how much you want to contribute to this years secret santa; it’s about what makes most sense for business. Insert the pressure. Can you picture it?
What once was a moment of trival decision, is now a mere memory. You have to understand all the moving parts, the data, the budgets, and the why. Why do you need to make that budget cut? Why do you want to start fundraising? Why do you want to expand your product offering? Without knowing this, you’re always going to struggle to make the right choice.
So, in the labyrinth of choices that define our personal and professional lives, the question "why" emerges as a guiding light that illuminates the path towards understanding, clarity, and purpose. At the heart of this inquiry lies a profound quest for meaning, an exploration that transcends mere decision-making and delves into the essence of who we are and what we seek to achieve. So let’s take a look at why understanding this, is important.
Decisions are the currency of progress.
They shape the destiny of organizations, charting the course towards success or failure. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of data and deadlines, there lies a fundamental question that often goes unasked: why?
Why do we need to make this decision? What purpose does it serve? What impact will it have on our goals, our teams, and our future? These are the questions that lie at the heart of effective decision-making, and they form the cornerstone of what we call "Finding Your Why."
At the heart of our decision intelligence tool - CORA - lies a simple yet profound truth: understanding the why behind our decisions is the key to unlocking their true potential. It is the difference between blindly following the tide and charting our own course, between reacting to circumstances and shaping our destiny.
Clarity Amidst Complexity
In a world awash with information and uncertainty, finding your why provides a beacon of clarity amidst the chaos. It forces us to pause, to reflect, and to distill the essence of our intentions. By understanding the underlying purpose behind our decisions, we strip away the layers of confusion and ambiguity, revealing a path forward that is clear and unmistakable.
With clarity comes confidence. Armed with a deep understanding of why we need to make a decision, we can navigate even the most turbulent waters with poise and purpose. We become captains of our own destiny, steering our ships towards the shores of success with unwavering determination.
Empowerment Through Purpose
Purpose is the driving force behind all meaningful action. It imbues our decisions with meaning, infusing them with a sense of urgency and significance.
When we understand why we need to make a decision, we tap into a wellspring of motivation and determination. We become unstoppable forces of change, propelled by the knowledge that every choice we make brings us one step closer to our goals.
As we align our decisions with our purpose, we unlock a reservoir of untapped potential within ourselves. We discover reserves of strength and resilience that we never knew existed, enabling us to overcome obstacles and defy expectations.
Alignment with Values and Vision
At the heart of every decision lies a set of values and beliefs that define who we are and what we stand for.
Finding your why means aligning your decisions with these core principles, ensuring that every action you take is a reflection of your deepest convictions. It is the difference between fleeting success and lasting fulfillment, between short-term gains and long-term impact. Your business goals and KPIs have always been important, so why would aligning the decisions you make off the back of them be any different?
When our decisions are aligned with our values, they resonate with authenticity and integrity. They become a testament to our character, a reflection of the principles that guide us through life's myriad challenges.
Not to mention, our decisions inspire respect and admiration, earning us the trust and loyalty of those around us.
Building Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The journey towards our goals is rarely smooth sailing.
Along the way, we encounter obstacles, setbacks, and challenges that threaten to derail our progress. In these moments of trial, finding your why becomes a source of strength and resilience. It reminds us of the greater purpose that lies beyond the immediate struggle, motivating us to persevere in the face of adversity.
When we understand why we need to make a decision, we find the courage to confront our fears and embrace uncertainty. We refuse to be defined by our circumstances, rising above the trials and tribulations that seek to hold us back. With each setback, we emerge stronger and more resilient, our resolve unshakable in the face of adversity.
Inspiring Others Through Purposeful Action
As leaders, our decisions have ripple effects that extend far beyond our immediate sphere of influence. They shape the culture of our organizations, inspire our teams, and set the tone for the future. By finding our why and leading with purpose, we become catalysts for change, igniting the flames of passion and commitment in those around us.
When we lead with purpose, we inspire others to follow in our footsteps.
Our actions speak louder than words, serving as a testament to the power of conviction and determination. Through our example, we empower others to find their own why, unleashing a wave of creativity and innovation that propels our organizations to new heights of success.
So now you understand the importance of finding your why. But how do you do it?
Follow these steps to dig within and pin-point the reason why you need to make that judgement call.
Begin by thoroughly understanding the context in which you operate. This will illuminate the specific challenges and opportunities that resonate with your purpose.
Delve deep into introspective analysis. Examine your personal and professional experiences to identify patterns and values that can serve as the compass guiding you toward your why.
Craft a strategic plan that aligns your leadership journey with your identified purpose. Be sure to make sure that every decision and action is a deliberate step toward fulfilling your why.
Put your plans into action. Lean on your own dedication and authenticity, as it's in the execution of your vision that your purpose will become clear and tangible.
As you witness the positive impact of your leadership on a broader scale, be open to continuously expanding your understanding of your why, evolving it to meet the evolving needs of your team and organization, the world!
In the end, finding your why is more than just a tool for better decision-making. It is a way of life, a philosophy that guides us in our quest for meaning and significance. It reminds us that our choices matter, that every decision we make has the power to shape our destiny and impact the world around us.
When you know your why, you can start to craft your how. Need a little help working this out? Get in touch today and we’d be happy to talk you through it!
