We shift our focus this week from the “what” (i.e., what makes you unique and what do you want?) to the “why”: Why do you do what you do?
My newly minted 3-year old son has recently embraced asking “Why?” After months of practicing a technique called “The Five Whys,” introduced to us by Maren Schmidt of Kids Talk News, to try to help our son (and us) identify the root of his various frustrations and tantrums, the tables have surprisingly turned and now he endlessly asks us “Why?” This developmental milestone reminds us of the importance of asking “why?” at every age.
The “why” question goes to the underlying reason or purpose. In fact, “purpose” is defined as “the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.” To thrive rather than just survive the busyness of mixing work, family, and life in general, we have learned that it is essential to have a keen understanding of why we do what we do. In other words, it is essential to be cognizant of our purpose in individual actions and choices, in addition to having an overall life’s purpose. This week’s featured Wixii™, Jessica Bacchus, made significant work-life choices after the loss of her second child. She wanted to focus on her living children and start a non-profit foundation aimed at bringing joy to other children. Her loss motivated her to action and gave her a renewed sense of purpose.
While loss and hardship often motivate us to reexamine our choices and to become more attuned to our own sense of purpose, this week we remind ourselves to ask “why?” even before a life-changing event necessitates it. Let us collectively pledge to incorporate this important question into our daily living and to keep asking ourselves “why” until we find peace in the response. Such intentional living and practice will help us to thrive (or continue thriving) in our work-life mix. Has asking “why” helped you to focus on your purpose and spurred you to action? If so, please join Facebook discussion and share your story with us.
