What is your Why?
Search for meaning in life is something we all go through at some point. It might be in high school as you look out toward the rest of your life away from home. It might be after college when you have to finally become a real adult and “get off the payroll” as Mom and Dad say. Or it might be when you are 50 and you are seeing kids leave high school and college. For me it is the latter.
I don’t want to work in corporate America again…
I just completed a wonderful 12-week training course by Brian Buffini. I knew nothing about him until I became a Realtor and started looking for ways to become more proficient at my craft. About half way through the course an old lesson hit me between my eyes, “What is your Why”? In short, why am I doing what I am doing. A short sentence with a ton of answers, or maybe no answers. But certainly not something I had thought about for years. Funny how old ideas seem to show up just when you need them.
Maybe I am doing this for my wife? Maybe for my family? Maybe because it was easy to get into? Maybe because I think I can make plenty of money? Maybe I can help people? All interesting reasons (and all accurate) but I think my “Why” is: I don’t want to work in corporate America again. I had about 20 years in corporate America with Toys R Us, Aladdin Industries and Comcast. All fabulous experiences that I would do again at the same stage in my life. But now it is time to turn the page and find the new “Why”.
A quick search for “What is your why” brings up countless articles, blogs, videos, etc. about this topic. I encourage you to read more. I plan to as I get started on this Realtor/Stager path I am happy to be on.
My old why was, to raise my kids. I went to work, spent time at home and on ball fields, sacrificed some of my interests for my “why” of raising my kids. With one in college and one about to be a senior in high school I have to give myself and my wife a big congratulations and job well done. We have smart, funny, energetic, kind, hardworking kids. One Why complete, check.
We have to LOVE what we are doing
My new why is a simple mission that involves many layers. In order to not have to find another “real” job I need to bring in enough revenue. We have to build a business that is sustainable. We have to have an exit strategy if my “why” changes again in 10-15 years. Am I staying healthy enough to meet my goals? We have to LOVE what we are doing. Every day I ask myself if what I plan to do today keeps me on my “why” path.
Not sure if I my answer to the question is correct but I am going to jump in with both feet and find out. What is your “Why”?
