"Why" is a Big Word

"He who has a WHY to live, can bear almost any HOW."
                                                     ---Friedrich Nietzsche

"Why" is a small word with a big meaning.

A word that can determine if you succeed—or quit.

Each person’s “why” is unique.

But what’s  not unique is the size of the “why.”

It has to be big—no room for sissies here!

Because each person’s “why” has to big enough to motivate when there’s no more motivation.

To provide that swift kick in the butt and get you to do what you said you would do---when it’s no longer fun.

And when it hurts.

Especially when it hurts.

A big “why” will get you out of bed to lace up in the middle of February when it’s cold, dark and an inch of snow on the ground.

A big “why” will force you to open your Accounting book instead of watching the Bronco game.

A big “why” will force you to press on with that fledgling business —even when it’s tough making payroll.

Especially when it’s tough making payroll.

A big “why” will force you to send out more resumes and continue the painful job search—despite the  rejection letters piling up on the kitchen counter.

I think a big “why” trumps brains and even talent.

Because brains and talent don’t provide the inner strength and mental toughness to keep going when it gets tough and you want to quit.

Because it will get tough.

And you WILL want to quit.

So here’s the deal: this week, before signing up for that marathon you have always wanted to run, or are about to quit your day job to launch that new business you have dreamed of opening, or are about to enroll in that degree you should have earned a long time ago.

I say wait.

That’s right, wait.

And don’t contemplate HOW you will achieve these goals—at least not yet.

Focus on the “why” first.

Make sure it’s big enough.

And strong enough.

To provide you the strength for when it gets tough--and it’s no longer fun.

Because it will get tough and no longer be “fun.”

Because you will want to quit.

But here’s the good news.

If your “why” is big enough.

And strong enough.

You WILL find the strength to keep going.

Even when it gets tough.

Especially when it gets tough.

Because a big enough “why” makes the impossible-looking how become possible.

Revealing the path to victory.

AMJ