Start with Why author Simon Sinek has popularized a concept he calls “The Golden Circle.” According to Sinek, elite communicators first communicate why they do what they do, then how they do it and lastly what they do. Most of us do the opposite. You and I start with what we do. It’s how we introduce ourselves at cocktail parties.
“I’m a manager, I’m an engineer, I work for ABC Company, I’m in Sales.”
-Everyone you meet
It’s completely logical and uninspiring.
Starting with why forces us to clarify who we are. Most of us, myself included, would rather watch Netflix.
If you have tried this exercise before, then you’ve learned that attempting to answer “why do I do what I do?” is a rabbit hole question with almost no bottom.
You won’t find the answer on accident or in the moment. You have to be intentional and do the personal excavation upfront, but the benefits are real…and worth it.
What I’ve learned is that figuring out what gets you out of bed in the morning doesn’t make waking up easier. It does however give you the highest probability of feeling fulfilled at the end of the day.
Maybe even more important, when you start your communication with why, it builds connection and trust because we lead with emotion instead of logic. We want to surround ourselves with people who believe what we believe. Starting with why is starting with what you believe.
What do I believe?
I believe that we are all capable of incredible things. That growth and creativity live in each of us. My why is to help each of us unlock it, so that together we can perform at our natural best and share our gifts with the World. I believe that if you want to inspire others, you first have to be inspired. Which leads me to my how – writing this blog.
What I hope to achieve is that this blog serves as a small stage to share the topics that inspire me to reach for my natural best. And in so doing, inspire you to do the same.
Thank you for joining me here and granting me the opportunity to start with why.