Ask yourself why

 

“Millions of people saw the apple fall. Newton was the only one who asked WHY.”

Nothing is obvious.

I have begun to question why I believe or do anything.

For example, why do I write?

The simple answer most people might give is “because I want to” or “because I’m good at it.”

I have deeply thought about things like this and here is my answer:

I write because I have taken note of how deeply words can influence people from a young age. I remember writing stories in grade school and bringing them home to my parents and they were amazed by what I could do. People always commented on my ability to write so I concluded that I was good at it and continued to do it more and more.

Now, I write because I have seen the huge benefits that have come from writing. My awareness has increased due to taking notes on everything that happens to me. I also have strategically followed people on social media that talk about writing. Therefore, I am encouraged to write more and am able to learn more about writing.

Lastly, I write to influence others to find their meaning. I believe that writing what I learn as I grow will influence others to do the same for themselves. I am hoping that my writing will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people it finds.

That is WHY I write.

BOOM. There it is.

It took me a while to figure out truly why I write and why it is fulfilling, but once I figured it out it made sense why I continue to do it.

By breaking down every single thing in your life this way, you can figure out if it is something you want to do or something you have been programmed to do.

I was able to cut out a few of my bad habits by simply asking WHY I do them.

Alcohol is a great example.

Why do you drink? Does it fulfill you? Does it improve your health? Do you feel better when you're done? Do you feel like you accomplish more when you do? 

The answer to every question should be NO. 

Asking these questions will help you recognize what the important things are in life. It will help you narrow down whether to continue doing something or cut it out.

You might do something simply because you saw your parents do it forever and now it’s just something you do too.

One of my best friends had become a frequent weeknight drinker. You know, one or two drinks just to “help fall asleep”. He had no idea that he was taking years off his life by doing this. It was a terrible habit.

In my mind, it makes no sense. But after talking to him about his past, I was able to pinpoint why he did it. When he was growing up, his dad would grab for the bottle every single night after work and most likely said the same words that my friend does when he did it. “I just need something to help me chill out.”

I made him aware of this correlation and he has drastically improved. It just began with asking the right questions and then determining his overall purpose for life. Once he realized that daily drinks were not helping him achieve his goal, he was able to cut them out.

Ask yourself why you do anything.

If there are positive reasons that lead to your goals, continue those habits. If there are negative reasons that lead you astray, cut them out. It seems simple but you must remind yourself of why you do each thing CONSTANTLY if you want to make a lifestyle change.

Keep your purpose in mind ALWAYS. 

A strong purpose will always win. 

Be like a little kid, never stop asking WHY.