Why Behind the What

It’s crucial to know the why behind our what. I’m a journalist. I know why I am a journalist. As human beings, it’s not always easy to discern why we do what we do.

It’s one thing to have a driving force behind our actions that may not be as sustainable in the long term. It’s an entirely different predicament compared to not possessing certainty or at least an idea of why we do something.

So, what can we do if we don’t have any clue as to why we’re on the mission we’re on? A lack of clarity can brew frustration.

Why?

One of the critical facts to uncover in journalism is the why. It’s not outstanding or even satisfactory to know what happened or what is happening. The why must be among the discovered facts.

Knowing the why behind our hobbies, careers and mission in life brings focus and drive. What is the why?

It’s more than a simple “because it is fun” or some other generic statement. It should communicate the mission and purpose.

On the other hand, if statements such as those are the best one can do at the moment, that is fine. Motivations become less fuzzy and more defined over time.

Imagine someone telling you that they run their business because it’s their passion or because it’s fun. That’s great.

However, the answer becomes exponentially more powerful when that same person reveals that they run their bakery because a loved one got them into baking as a hobby.

See the difference? The first answer is okay. The second answer brings more details out and sounds far more interesting.

Imagine another scenario. It’s the grand opening of a new movie theater, and the new brand has attention from the press and social media. The business owner says they entered into this sphere of business because they like movies.

That’s a boring answer, and it does nothing to communicate a solid and unique why. A lot of people like movies.

A more interesting answer from the business owner may inform people that they entered the business because of a lifelong passion for film. That passion is fueled by years of memories at their local movie theater.

The excited entrepreneur shares the story of the first movie experience they can recall and maybe even talks about how some of the most meaningful experiences in their life have involved movies.

Those are just examples, but the point is that they are personal and interesting in contrast to saying something is cool, fun or a passion.

People aren’t interested in the impersonal. People want to see the unique stories and motivations behind actions.

Whether or not we are ever asked to publicly share or decide of our own will to give our answers, we should at least know why we do something that we’re passionate about. We ought to know what inspired us and keeps our work going.

Earlier, I mentioned less sustainable motivation. A lot of people want more money, but money should never be the main motive for doing what we do.

There are other motives like that which won’t and can’t sustain and nourish action. I won’t address those motives now, I believe most people know what they are.

In the future, I will write about why I’m a journalist. In the meantime, why do you do what you do? Whether it’s your hobbies or career, tell that part of your story in the comments section.