055: Find Your “Why” and Keep Going

Why??

The word implies a question but its way more than that.

Sure, on the question side of the equation it has an existential tone.

And from another vantage point (depending on your current mood) it’s synonomous with "what the...!!" (You have permission to complete that sentence however you choose…no judgement here).

However you slice it, I'm convinced "why" is a good place to start any action towards real, substantial answers, solutions, decisions, recovery, or motivation.

Once you start down the why-path the best answers and solutions begin to emerge.

But you must follow the bread crumbs "why" leaves along the path if you ever want to end up at an effective solution or motivation for whatever it is you're dealing with.

Find your "why" if you want to keep going in spite of your circumstances

There's a general inertia common within the human condition, political rhetoric, religious hypocrisy, or the daily grind of unfortunate outcomes.

Each, in their own way, are in search of a better future but remain stuck if there’s no compelling why.

However you define that future personally - it's starts with a "why" before it's a "what" or a "how."

Here's the path if you're interested:

• Why leads to "what"
• What leads to "how"
• How leads to "solutions"

Find your why by sorting through a lot of "what"

It takes courage to sort.

Sorting implies that there has to be another or perhaps better "what" within all the clutter.

Remember, aging can impact your perspective to the point that you become too set-in-your-ways.

Thus you're not open to alternatives - eliminating the need for sorting.

Perhaps you're comfortable that way having made up your mind about many things and are therefore threatened or unmotivated about finding your "why."

The sorting process enables you to test, refine your thought process, and entertain new ideas.

How else can you age well and keep your mind pliable without sorting through all the "what" options available to you?

• Have the courage to refine your point-of-view even when it runs counter to "what" you've always done.
• Ask the hard questions as you sort things out - questioning leads to clarity.
• Test everything - gullability and believing everything you hear will get you nowhere close to finding your "why."

Find your why by trying and failing at a lot of "how"

Willingness to try and fail requires courage as well.

"How" as relates to finding your why is fundamentally about stepping away from the comfort of your routine and trying something new for a change.

Get this...you might fail or you might actually wind up considering a fresh alternative for how you live, age, and do life in your second-half era.

• Try something new
• Be unafraid to fail as you experiment.
• Use failure to grow and get closer to finding your "why."

Find your why and acquire a few useful "solutions"

Your why becomes a sustainable way of life when you've acquired some compelling solutions along the way.

It feels good knowing you have a solution for whatever you're facing.

Sure, it takes time (that's what sorting, trying, and failing are all about).

Useful solutions are like headlights on a dark road - you can navigate the darkness with confidence and maintain forward momentum.

• Useful knowledge is power - acquire all you can.
• Information requires discernment - if it works use it or set it aside.
• Opinions are a-dime-a-dozen - look for solutions instead.

Your "why" gives you a reason to keep going which is all the more reason to find yours

• Sorting narrows your choices
• Failure reveals what works and what doesn’t
• Solutions illuminate your future

Press on…

Eddie