You can't make change without this one thing -- and most people miss it
Part of my own why for building my own business: getting to be where I want to be, including catching my nephew in his shining moment on the soccer field.
When I do intake calls with new clients, I ask them a series of questions about what brought them to me, what change they’re trying to make in their lives, what’s got them stuck or not moving forward (or forward as fast as they wish) on that change. But I always save the most meaningful question for last:
What would it mean to your life for you to do this? (make this change / get unstuck / etc.)
If you want to make meaningful change, this is where you have to start. Sure, a vision helps, but it’s not required. We can get you there. And we’ll certainly identify the next steps. But you need to know, deep in your core, why you want to do this. Or, I can guarantee you it won’t happen.
People come to me with all kinds of changes they want to make: striking out on their own as an entrepreneur after years of working for corporations; moving to a town or city that they intentionally chose (not one that’s chosen for them by work or partners); integrating exercise into their lives in a meaningful way; rebuilding a relationship with an estranged loved one.
Those in and of themselves are all worthy visions. But it’s when we get to the “why” behind them that the real unlock comes. I’m going to list a few of the whys I’ve heard lately (lightly edited to ensure anonymity), and I challenge you to match them to the visions above. I suspect you can’t. Because the whys go way beyond the visions.
“Showing my children what a meaningful contribution to my community really means to me.”
“Writing a new story about myself: one that says I’m capable and wise.”
“Flexibility to live my life on my own terms, and to rise up on my own terms.”
“Freedom.”
If you’re contemplating a new chapter in your life or changing something that matters to you, what’s your why? Have a think and tell me anonymously here. I’ll compile and share back. And if you need help figuring out your why, I made this for you.