Why Do, Why Don’t

Becoming a person of Influence requires a strong Why. There is so much noise out there today. You can get easily derailed by the lack of civility in our society. Your Why is your compass. Why You do What You do is directed by your Why. Why You Don’t do is deflected and stopped by your Why. 

I met with a candidate who is running for local office. I asked him about his Why. He answered simply: “I want to bring civility back to policy solutions. My Why requires me to talk to others and truly listen to their needs. If I just react like a pouting child, nothing will get accomplished. My Why is influenced by my faith, family and friends, and daily interactions with others that you may not see coming. I don’t criticize and hate others just because we disagree.” Based on this answer, I know this candidate is going to be successful. The aura and confidence in his response manifest true leadership potential. This candidate understands you need to positively influence yourself before attempting to influence others. He projected a strong Why before getting into platform issues affecting the community. 

The pathway to becoming a person of influence does not tear others down to prop himself up. Leaders empower others with what they do, not just with what they say. You can encourage someone to take action with a simple smile.

Have you defined your Why? Why do you do what you do? Why don't you do certain things or engage in a particular behavior? Your Why convinces your soul of its purpose. Your purpose develops your brand. Others around you cannot pierce into your soul and feel what you feel but your brand lets them know who you are.

Start developing your Why today. Ask yourself the following questions:

Why Do I?

• Who picks me up when I am down? Why?

• Why do I wake up and not fall again?

• Why do I dream about always getting up and ahead?

• Who are the top ten influencers in my life? Why?

  • Why do I want to be like them?

  • Why do I welcome their influence?

  • Why do they take the time to be with me?

Why Don't I?

• Who are three people I do not want to be like? Why?

  • Why don't I act like them?

  • Why don't I believe they would benefit me?

Put together a few sentences about yourself—no more than 180 words. Ask yourself the following questions today and if I can be of any service to you reach out so we can talk!