How to Find Your “Why”

Simon Sinek, in his now famous TED Talk, “Start with Why,” outlined the reasons why great leaders and great companies become great. As individuals, you and I can utilize those insights to create the best life possible for ourselves and our loved ones. 

Here’s a list of questions that may help you discover your own “Why.” 

1.  What gets me excited about life? And why?

2.  Who inspires me?  Why?  (Ask yourself “Why?” after each

     question.)

3.  If I had a second life to live, what would I do differently?

4.  Why do I do the things I do?

5.  What makes me smile? (Don’t forget to ask “Why?” for   

     each question.)

6.  What makes me happy?

7.  What really motivates me?

8.  What are my fondest memories? 

9.  What one thing or achievement would make me the 

      happiest?

10. What am I most grateful for?

11. If I could change the world, what would I change?

12. What moments from my life would I love to relive?

13. What’s my weirdest or craziest desire? 

14. What’s the main reason I do the work (paid or unpaid) 

      that I do?

15. Who is the person (from the past or present) I would most

      like to emulate?

16. If I had eight months to live, yet still had my health, what

      would I do? 

17. What is my Why?  (Take my best guess.) 

Ken West is the author of the goal achievement workbook, Get What You Want.  He is also the Program Manager for an international training and management consulting company.