Some time ago, I was listening to a preacher and at some point, he said: “Whatever path you choose to thread in life, the end goal is to be able to put food on the table.” When I heard this, I felt instantly devalued and I started pondering on that point he made. It is true that he made that comment in a context and I can exonerate that hasty generalization but I do not agree that our “whys” should be summarized at the level of “food.”
Food is a basic need of course, but if it is the sole basis of existence, then life would be meaningless. Every person has reasons for desiring a certain type of life. These reasons form the “why” for that person. These can be the most miniature things or the most profound things. Whatever it is, once it is geared towards positivity and propels towards a positive end, then it is acceptable.
Every step, every action and every inaction is contributing to what you are becoming. If you are interested in what you are becoming, you will take the necessary steps to shape yourself rightly. In order to be genuinely interested in what you are becoming, you need to know your “why.” You need to understand your “why” and you need to embrace your “why.” Darren Hardy, author of “The Compound Effect” calls it the “why-power.”
You can simply ask yourself the questions “why do I want to become….” and “why do I want to achieve…” Fill in the space with your utmost passions or future longings. By asking yourself these questions, you will understand your “why.” This will be the fuel that will take you through the process of achieving what you desire. It will be your most valuable asset even when you are at your lowest and feel like giving up.
Genuine interest in what you are becoming implies that you are not just living carelessly and leaving things to chance. It means that you are being intentional about your growth and advancement. It means that you are taking actions today that will accumulate and give rise to the future that you desire. It entails consciousness of the things that you can control so that you do not leave them out to chance. At the same time, it entails consciousness of the things that you cannot control so that you deliberately seek assistance from the appropriate source.
From this moment, decide to be genuinely interested in what you are becoming. Genuine interest can push you to do great things for the sake of your dreams. The stronger your “why,” the more you will be willing to take the necessary actions for your dreams. Just like the chess player, plan your wonderful moves and at the same time be careful of the opponent’s counter moves. Do not leave things to chance. Sincerely do what you can and you will reap the results of your effort.