To Do Great, Inspired Work Start with Why

 Rahul and Rinku were sipping tea at the college canteen with Rakesh, their senior.

‘Rakesh bhaiyya,’ asked Rahul. ‘How do some people do great work while others cannot?’

‘Yes bhaiyya, how can I be fully motivated and passionate about my work?’ asked Rinku. ‘Please tell us how?’

‘I suggest you watch this TED talk by Simon Sinek titled ‘Start with Why’,’ said Rakesh. ‘It’s based on his book by the same name.’

‘What is it about bhaiyya?’ asked Rahul.

‘It’s about what Simon Sinek calls the golden circle which is basically three concentric circles. The outermost ring is the ‘what’, the middle one is the ‘how’ and the innermost is the ‘why’.  We all know ‘what’ we are doing, some of us know ‘how’ we do things but very few know ‘why’ we are doing what we are doing. Most people look at their work from ‘what’, ‘how’ and ‘why’ order and consequently rarely go beyond the ‘what’. But if we start in the reverse order  i.e. start with ‘why’ then it leads to passionate, inspiring work.’

‘Will it work in studies and other activities at college bhaiyya?’ asked Rinku.

‘It’s relevant to everything in life. If I ask you ‘what’ are you studying, you will say you are studying xyz course. Everyone can answer this question. But it does not lead to passionate work.’

‘Oh,’ nodded Rahul.

‘If I ask ‘how’, then only some may be able to answer ‘how’ they approach their studies. They may talk about planning, scheduling and execution. Since they are more involved they probably get better results than those who don’t know their ‘how’.

‘Hmm, true’ said Rinku.

‘But very few know ‘why’ they are studying. The purpose. It is only when you go beyond the easiest answer of ‘getting a job’ that you find your deeper purpose. Maybe you want to study so you can save the environment, change the education system, make people happy …something you truly care about. The best thing is that once your ‘why’ is clear, your ‘how’ and ‘what’ will change too. There will be a purpose behind how and what you do when you start with why. Now can you tell me what is your ‘why’?’

The two juniors looked at one another. Rakesh smiled.

‘Think about it. It may take some time but look for an honest answer. Simon Sinek says that people whose ‘why’ is clear make inspirational leaders who can inspire many.’

‘The golden circle seems like a wonderful idea bhaiyya,’ said Rinku. ‘I will start with ‘why’ ‘in all that I do from now on.’

‘I’ll watch Simon Sinek’s TED talk on YouTube right away,’ said Rahul.

‘It will be 18 minutes wisely invested,’ said Rakesh. ‘Apart from getting inspired to do great work, you will also learn about leadership, communication and inspired action.’

‘Thanks bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘I’m inspired enough to pay the bill.’

Pro tip: Ask yourself ‘why’ you are doing whatever you are doing. What’s the purpose? You will find more purpose and be more passionate about your work.

 

Exercise: Take a pen and paper and write down the ‘why’, the purpose of your life. Write your vision statement for your life based on the purpose and the values you wish to live your life by. One way is to look back at 70 and talk about how you lived your life and what purpose it served.

Share.