Yesterday afternoon (now Monday afternoon) I called Tom, my associate in XELR8, and had a discussion with him for about an hour. It consisted of the usual, my placing the call and we talk about a variety of things that affect our businesses but we don't talk much about 'the business'. Why is this? Because we've become friends and are a sounding board for each others thoughts, ideas and criticisms. I can always count on Tom to give me personal and honest feedback on my work, and in turn I will always do the same.

So why am I posting this here?

Because he pointed out that there is a great deal of content out there about finding your 'Why', as I have also talked about it myself. He suggested digging deeper to discover a more personal reasoning. He's absolutely correct. And anyone can come up with a generic answer when asked for their motives, but do they themselves know what is at the core of that answer? The why-for-the-why, if you will.

As we continued our conversation my mind was also on this idea. I had certainly found meaning that reached beyond my orginal reasoning for starting down the path of becoming an business owner. It started with wanting to be my own boss, but being the introspective person that I am, I began to realize that over the last 6 months I've found greater meaning. Everyone wants money. Everyone wants security. And many would love to be thier own boss, but these are all generic answers. Anyone can say them. So how did I discover my why, and tie it down to the three that I mention in the post linked above?

Simple. Questions.

I asked myself questions that would dig deeper, beyond the initial reasoning. Developing the skillset of being introspective is essential not only to being able to do this but also to your own growth as a person. And its certainly not difficult. Its about having an internal dialogue with yourself and exploring your feelings and emotions. I realize that this comes easy to me because I'm built that way, thats always been my nature. To nurture and explore my soul.

So I'm asking again, but this time I'm asking the much more introspective question: What is your personally relevant 'Why'?

To help you along I've included a list of the questions that helped me find my answers. I hope that they spark some answers and further questions to help you get down to the core of who you are and why you do what you do. If you're like me, you can do this anywhere and at anytime, but others may need to find a quiet and relaxing place where they can just close their eyes and let their mind wander. Think about the goals you have set or your reasons for having/doing something.

Good Luck!

My Questions

Why do you want to be your own boss?

Am I happy with my current job and situation?

What about it am I happy about?

What am I not happy with?

Will I find this in my venture?

Hope this helps. I know it helped me get to the heart of the matter.   Happy digging!

Tim Draayer -  Live Your Best Life