Crafting Your Why Statement: Getting to The Heart of What Motivates You
Recently, I wanted to buy some cupcakes for a celebration. I normally order from a place I found online, but my mom suggested we try a new bakery that just opened down the street. I was initially resistant to trying something new because I really like the cupcakes I usually order. “If it ain’t broke…” and all that.
But my mom is usually right, so I went ahead and Googled the new place expecting to see a generic cupcake franchise or some other boring bakery information. Instead, I was delighted to find out that the owner was a local teen who had discovered baking was his “happy place.” It was his dream to open a shop where he could spread the joy in our community. Knowing that his motivation was more than just making money persuaded me to give his bakery a try, and now I have a new go-to when I want to order something sweet!
Why did his story change my mind? Shouldn’t things like pricing and quality matter more? Why should it matter why he opened his shop?
Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" method offers a powerful answer: people care about motivations more than we think. As Sinek says:
"People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it."
Sinek suggests beginning any introduction or negotiation with a clear and compelling Why Statement. But how do you create one for yourself or your organization?
A Why Statement is a simple but profound declaration that captures your most basic purpose, cause, or belief. It's not about what you do or how you do it—it's about why you do what you do.
Here's how to craft yours:
Reflect on Your Contributions: Think about the times when you felt most fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you helping? What impact did you have?
Identify Patterns: Look for common themes in these moments. Are you always drawn to solving certain problems or helping specific groups of people?
Consider Your Values: What principles guide your decisions and actions? These often point to your deeper motivations.
Draft Your Statement: Use this template:
"To [contribution/impact] so that [result]."
Keep it simple, actionable, and focused on the difference you make.
Refine and Test: Share your draft with trusted friends or colleagues. Does it resonate with them? Does it inspire action? Refine as needed.
Remember, your Why Statement should feel authentic and emotionally compelling. It's not just about what you think—it's about what you feel.
My own Why Statement is something I have continued to refined over the years. The current version is:
To connect ideas and people so that we can co-create more beauty and peace in our communities.
If you need more guidance, here’s a five-minute video on how to find your why by asking friends. And, if you’d like to dive deeper into Sinek’s work, check out Simon Sinek's TED Talk on "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" or his book Start with Why for more insights.
Crafting your Why Statement may take time and reflection, but like any meaningful work, it's worth the effort. Your Why can be the compass that guides you towards work that truly matters.
