Finding your WHY

森の心・人の心
Journey Through Life With the Wisdom of the Forest

Referring back to the previous article, I would like you to think about your WHY. Why you do what you? Why you want to do what you want to do?

“Start With Why” by Simon Sinek is a popular book that encourages readers to find their “why” – their purpose or belief that inspires their business – and use it as a guide for all business decisions. Here are some steps you can take to find your “why”:

Reflect on your values: Start by reflecting on your personal values and beliefs. Think about what motivates you and what you’re passionate about. Consider what you stand for and what you believe in.
Identify your strengths: Consider your personal strengths and what you excel at. Think about how you can use these strengths to make a positive impact in the world.
Explore your experiences: Look back on your experiences and think about what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. Consider how these experiences have shaped your values and beliefs.
Consider your impact: Think about the impact you want to have on the world. What change do you want to create? What problems do you want to solve?
Articulate your “why”: Once you’ve reflected on your values, strengths, experiences, and impact, articulate your “why”. This should be a simple, clear statement that expresses your purpose or belief. For example, if you’re passionate about empowering people to live healthier lives, your “why” might be “to inspire and empower individuals to achieve optimal health and wellness.”
Use your “why” as a guide: Once you’ve identified your “why”, use it as a guide for all business decisions. Consider how your actions align with your purpose and how they can help you achieve your goals.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help find your “why”:

What are my core values and beliefs? What motivates and inspires me?
What are my unique talents, strengths, and skills? How can I use these to make a positive impact in the world?
What experiences have shaped my values and beliefs? How have these experiences influenced my perspective on the world?
What problems or challenges do I want to solve in the world? What impact do I want to make?
Who do I want to serve? Who are the people or communities that would benefit most from my work?
What is the legacy I want to leave behind? What do I want to be remembered for?
What is my definition of success? How does this definition align with my values and purpose?
How do I want to feel about my work? What kind of emotions do I want to experience while pursuing my “why”?
What are the biggest obstacles I need to overcome to achieve my purpose? How can I address these obstacles?
What would I regret not doing in my life? What is the one thing that would make my life truly meaningful?

By reflecting on these questions and exploring your personal values, strengths, experiences, and impact, you can begin to identify your “why” – your purpose or belief that inspires your business – and use it as a guide for all business decisions.

And here are some examples of “why” statements that could be derived from the process of finding your purpose or belief:

To empower individuals to achieve their full potential through education and mentorship.
To inspire sustainable living and reduce the environmental impact of daily life.
To promote social justice and equality for all members of society.
To create innovative solutions to complex problems and improve people’s lives.
To provide accessible healthcare and improve the quality of life for all individuals.
To celebrate diversity and promote cultural understanding and appreciation.
To support local communities and promote economic growth through responsible business practices.
To create a culture of kindness and compassion and make the world a better place for all.
To promote creativity and self-expression and help people achieve their artistic dreams.

To build strong, positive relationships with customers and provide exceptional service that improves their lives.
These are just a few examples of “why” statements that could be derived from the process of finding your purpose or belief. Your own “why” should be a reflection of your personal values, strengths, experiences, and impact, and should serve as a guide for all business decisions.

We should remember that, the process of finding your “why” can be challenging, and you may encounter several obstacles along the way. Here are some common obstacles you may face:

Fear: Fear can be a major obstacle in finding your “why”. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and fear of uncertainty can all hold you back from pursuing your purpose or belief.
Lack of clarity: It can be difficult to articulate your purpose or belief if you don’t have a clear understanding of your personal values, strengths, experiences, and impact. You may need to spend some time reflecting on these areas to gain clarity.
Self-doubt: Self-doubt can prevent you from fully embracing your purpose or belief. You may question whether you’re capable of making a positive impact or worry that your purpose isn’t valid or important.
Outside pressure: Outside pressure from family, friends, or society can make it difficult to pursue your purpose or belief. You may face pressure to conform to societal norms or expectations, or pressure to pursue a more traditional career path.
Lack of resources: Pursuing your purpose or belief may require additional resources, such as time, money, or support. You may need to find ways to acquire these resources or leverage them more effectively.

Overcoming these obstacles requires resilience, persistence, and a willingness to take risks and face uncertainty. By embracing your purpose or belief, addressing your fears and doubts, seeking out resources and support, and staying true to your personal values, you can overcome these obstacles and find a meaningful path forward.

Finding your “why” can be a transformative process that can help you build a business that is both meaningful and successful. By reflecting on your values, strengths, experiences, and impact, and articulating your purpose or belief, you can create a clear sense of direction and purpose for your business.

***********

Venture on a memorable path with our 10-week Forest Bathing Guide or Shinrin Yoku Guide Training program accredited by Shinrin Yoku Association . This journey merges the accessibility of online learning with an enriching immersion in the serene forests of Japan. 🌳🇯🇵

Continue your transformative journey with a 5-day retreat nestled in the peaceful woodlands of Nara, Japan 🏞️🎑:
🍂 October 2-6, 2023
🍂 October 9-13, 2023

*********

The Mindful Tourist
森の心・人の心
Journey Through Life With the Wisdom of the Forest