My ‘Why’ and the Reason Your ‘Why’ is Important in Life and Business
Photo: @by_syeoni / Unsplash
Like everyone in this world, my life has consisted of several different journeys, all of which have given purpose to the person and professional I am today. I’ve found it really important to make the things that interest you, have shaped you, or that you have healed from, a part of your life, your passion, your values, and even your career in some cases. Presenting yourself more authentically is one of the key factors in being able to connect with others on a meaningful level, whether personal or professional. I’m sharing my “why”, and I hope it helps you to think about yours.
Personally, problem-solving has always been in my nature. Whether it was a puzzle, a true crime mystery, a logistical problem, an interpersonal problem, and even more risky practices in problem-solving like martial arts. It has fueled my curiosities and hobbies, and it’s certainly been a part of every job I’ve ever liked in some way.
In early adulthood, I began experiencing what the world had to offer like the rest of us: successes, failures, and relationships—the good, the bad, and the ugly. At some point, I realized that I definitely had to work on myself if I ever really wanted to make big strides in the right direction. We all have repeat challenges when we fail to learn lessons, and get stuck in the same decision making patterns that keep us stagnant. One important thing I’ve learned is that a lot of our experiences in this life, both positive and negative, happen for a reason. They are meant to teach us what is and isn’t working, what we like and don’t like, and how we can look at things differently once we process it all. Most of what is needed to create change out of these experiences is first, awareness, and second, to shift the way you think about or respond to things that happen, or even your own thoughts and actions. With the assistance of therapy, and addressing the difficult issues I was facing, I essentially began applying my natural problem solving to everything. Then, began helping people personally and professionally through all kinds of major life events, challenges, business and legal issues, too.
I knew fixing a problem has been at the forefront of my work roles, but I finally realized that, more specifically, I really like helping people solve their problems, and live a better life. That became my “why.” Being a mediator and helping people to resolve their legal problems has fulfilled that to some degree. But as a mediator, I can’t help but see the patterns and issues going on in the parties’ lives that they could really use help with. At times, these may be the root cause of a lot of their legal issues as well as everything else going on. I realized that coaching was the best way for me to express my talents freely, and also fulfill my need to serve others in a meaningful way. The opportunity also creates a lifestyle of my own choosing that will make me happy and inspire me to grow and evolve, too.
I have had to confront so many things I didn’t love about myself and my life, my relationships, habits, work environment, goals, mental health, and wellness. Working on oneself is an ever-evolving process, as much for me as it is for you. However, it has already helped me to be more present for myself and those I love, as well as being a more authentic, balanced, and calming presence to those who need guidance through life’s challenges. Allowing those past experiences and perspectives to come into what I speak about, or how I help clients, allows me to be more comfortable, to make contact with the best people, and attract the most ideal clients that I can help the most!
Your story matters, and making it a part of what you stand for, what you desire, or what you do to support yourself or give back is a great way to live a life that best suits you. To truly hone in on what that looks like may require some work or experimentation, but we are all capable of finding something that motivates us. Once you see it more clearly, and are able to work towards it, I’m confident you’ll start to become a better version of yourself. For you, and for those around you. Taking any opportunity to live a life that feels more natural, and more reflective of who you are will always be worth it!
