Why, Not What…

It’s late in the afternoon on Sunday and I’ve been busy. Busy from just after breakfast till now. I’ve been reading blogs. Listening to podcasts. Catching up on some reading. And, finishing the copy on November’s article on https://mitchschneidersworld.com.

It’s a frenzy of activity that any neurotic, self-respecting, Type-A, compulsive/obsessive, super-achiever would be proud of even if they couldn’t explain why they were doing everything they had just done. That’s when I realized there is a profound difference between what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. And, that the difference actually makes a difference.

What you’re doing is all about the things you’ve just managed to accomplish or are just about to begin. The various tasks on your To-Do list. Read this… Write that… Find an appropriate place to file this document… Make that call…

It’s about moving from one task to the next in an orderly, effective, efficient manner. Checking boxes. Hopefully, making progress. I say hopefully because getting things done isn’t often enough. Progress is all about getting the right things done and getting the right things done is all about why.

I’m not talking about why in terms of your purpose. Although, that element of the why I am talking about is critical. I’m talking about your why in terms of priorities. Which task—which, what—will move up the list and which will move down.

That’s where the why associated with your purpose should come into play. Is what I am about to do consistent with my goals? Will it move me closer to my strategic objectives—the fulfillment of my dreams and aspirations. Or, will it lead me further away?

That’s when it becomes obvious it’s more about the why than it is about the what.