The Power of Why

What's this life for?

This is the most perplexing, challenging, frustrating, insightful question of mankind.

Throughout history this question has provided the fuel behind the religions of the world, all major economic and political systems, sparked every war throughout history and even every humanitarian cause. Freud famously wrote that everything was motivated by fulfilling sexual desire. Whatever the motive, “why” is the focus.

Sometimes the “why” is unclear. Organizations falter when they cannot effectively communicate their vision, their mission “why” they exist. This is most prominent in politics. Why is one party committed to seemingly trying to overthrow our way of life while all politicians seem to be lining their pockets without reproach. Meanwhile the other party seemingly takes the moral high ground with a complete tone of hypocrisy. What’s good for you doesn’t apply to me. Can you even legislate morality? What’s behind all of this?

Traveling throughout the world, I witnessed each government and society’s approach to answering the essential questions of economy. Should man own property? What is the role of the government? Can humanity be trusted, or must it be controlled? What are we going to do about the poor? Can real wealth be attained, or does one succumb to underhanded dealing to get ahead?

Stephen Covey famously wrote that one should “begin with the end in mind.” Careful planning and motivational analysis should be the primary consideration in any undertaking. What really, really matters?

On a personal basis, not knowing the “why” will get you into real trouble. Without a clear idea of what drives you, you won’t be motivated to even get out of bed in the morning. Life turns into a grind. You suffer through each day, just getting by. Then you turn to outside stimuli, media overconsumption, substance abuse, self-neglect and life spirals downward, desperation, depression, a shortened life, a wasted life.

When I returned home to Memphis after 20 years away, I felt like Rip van Winkle. Everyone got older. Most were a bit wealthier. But I noticed that everyone had followed the trajectory of their lives 20 years earlier and had become what I expected them to. It was the Law of the Harvest: you reap what you sow, more than you sow, after you sow it. No one had made any great accomplishments, but remarkably my middle-aged parents and relatives had retired, or were approaching retirement. A true accomplishment indeed! To finally be able to live life outside of work promised freedom. Freedom from the alarm clock, freedom to do whatever the mood struck. Freedom to do whatever you want for as long as you want with whomever you choose.

But they were miserable. Anxiety and depression settled in, along with sleepless nights, physical deterioration, isolation, shame. A deep sense of a wasted life. What’s this life for?

I immediately found myself in a world gone wrong. As an only child with few cousins, I have a deep sense of duty when it comes to family. I have parents, aunts and uncles to attend to. And everyone was in a crisis! How can I help them, but at the same time learn how not to fall into this deep dark chasm? Is there a solution? What’s this life for?

I have always been exposed to some of the great minds and spiritual gurus of the modern world. My travels provided me with hours and hours of isolation and quiet moments on airlines and empty hotel rooms to ponder the important things of life. To be an observer, to learn, evaluate and ponder. I read widely about the power of vision, purpose, goal settling, balance. I developed a craving to develop the best life possible. But applying that knowledge was a different story. Coming from a working-class family, I didn’t have any examples in my family. No one in my family had never traveled outside of the United States, and rarely outside of Tennessee. I was the first in my family line to graduate from college, not to mention a master’s degree.

Once I returned home, I was ready to turn and apply what I had learned. Being exposed to the trials and tumults of the family, I committed myself to helping each person as much as I could. I wanted to learn as much as possible about what doesn’t work to establish what really works.

I developed an overpowering desire to help others with what I have learned. One-by-one we will change the world, injecting hope where there was never a possibility. Knowing that where you stand is never where you will end up. It won’t be a cakewalk – tough times will come but focusing on ”why” will always get you through.

Vision

“Where there is no vision, the people perish,” says the Proverb. Vision is essential to living a meaningful life. It is the True North of the compass. The place where you want to end up. The finish line. Nirvana. Utopia. It is the End that drives your Beginnings. Where do I want to go? What do I want to be?

Without vision, life is a tailspin.

Vision is deeply personal. Others may have a vision for you, especially when you are young. But only you are able to define your vision. It defines the essence of who you are and defining it is a rite of maturity. Self-actualization. Self-awareness.

It’s a chore to define your mission. Hours of contemplative introspection are required and modern life with all of the distractions impede this effort. With the hustle and bustle of our lives, who can carve out time of quiet reflection. We jump out of bed, rushing to work to attend of the daily chaos, only returning home exhausted, attending to family requirements only to drop into bed – exhausted. Who has time for quiet introspection?

If improving your financial situation is important to your "why," contact me today for a no-obligation consultation.