Young people often surround me; I am the oldest of all my siblings and cousins in my generation. One thing I know which plagues them, after they are done with college, is what they are going to do with their lives. When they come to me, seeking advice, I always ask them what their passion is, what keeps their mind active, what impact they want to make on the world. When they answer, or if they can answer my questions, the next step is advising them to start with why! This phrase became popular, well to me, after I discovered the author and speaker, Simon Sinek. He explains why we need to have a why behind what we want to do. Why in the context of this article or topic, can be likened to having a vision, mission or purpose.
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So what is your why? Why do you want that job? Why do you want to start that career, why do you want to join that industry, why, why, why! It is critical for you to know the reason behind what you want to do, to be able to accomplish it. People learn better when they know the purpose of what they are taught. I remember when I was in college, I performed better in classes when I understood the motive behind what the lecturer was saying. There are days you will want to give up; there are days that it will seem like nothing is working, there will be days that you just want to throw in the towel. On those days, it is your why, that will keep you going and will make everything worth it even if no one supports you.
For me, I always knew I loved writing. I am a shy person until I get to know you well, and I am better at expressing myself through written words. It only made sense for me to become a writer, since I have a lot of conversations in my head, what better way do I have to express those thoughts? By written words. The why behind my writing is to spark conversations with people and effect change. I believe I can bring a different perspective to many issues that people are dealing with. And even if it is just one person, who connects with me, through what I have written, that makes me fulfilled. Now writing is not the end all be all for me, it is kind of like a means to an end.
There are so many things I still want to accomplish, helping people in underserved communities is one of them. So writing for me, also provides the resources, that I can use to serve my community. That is another why behind what I do. On the days I don’t feel like writing, on the days I feel like I have nothing to bring to the table, on the days, when I feel disqualified and want to quit, my why keeps me going.
I then remember how I stumbled upon this craft, I remember what led me to start blogging, I remember how far I have come, and I remember who I am partners with, God. He is the one who gives me my voice, grace, strength, skills, abilities, resources, sources, and wisdom. If I am okay disappointing myself, I don’t feel right disappointing Him.
It’s just like having any business partner; you know you cannot fall your hand (like we love to say in Nigeria). If you are slacking on your end, it will pose problems, and eventually, that person may need to find another partner. Although working with God, gives you more room for grace, but that grace cannot and should not be taken for granted. When I sit down and evaluate all these things, I am then motivated to keep going.
When one person says: I love your article, or that piece you did about that movie, made me find the movie, pay for it, and watch it again (even if I get no incentive from that, they need to start paying me, haha), it brings me great joy, and it makes all my hard work, worth it. The point of all of this, is that you need to know your why, your purpose, and you will thrive in the path you have chosen for yourself if it is in alignment with what you were put on this planet to do.
Hope you enjoyed this wisdom weekly article and will apply some things you have learned, to your life. Can you share some of the reasons behind what you do with us? Leave your response in the comment section below. Also remember to like, share, and subscribe, never to miss an update.
About The Author: Evi Idoghor is a Christian, writer and content creator on letstalknationblog.com. She is a chemical engineering graduate from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Consumed by her love for writing and desire to affect change, she launched her online platform Letstalknationblog.com, to tap into her creativity and start meaningful conversations that would make a difference around the world.
Most of her writing has been influenced by her time spent in America, where she has lived for about 11 years. Also, she has lived in Nigeria and South Korea and currently loves traveling the world while learning about other fascinating cultures. You can find her on all social media platforms with @eviidoghor.