Never mind “will” power. Too frail and fickle. Too unreliable and susceptible to stress. Gone just when we need it most. Besides, it easily distracts us, shifting our focus from whatever we needed it for to “What’s wrong with me? I have no will power!” at which point we go for a quick, if paralyzing, spin on our “loser” loop.
But “why” power. That’s different. Pausing to consciously ask ourselves, “Why am I doing (or thinking) this?” instantly brings clarity to our thoughts and instantly illuminates our motivations (good, bad and ugly). It’s like doing a sound check on the brain.
How do we tap into our “why” power? Simple really. It may even sound trite--until we try it. And not just once but again...and again. Remember when you were a kid and asked your mom or dad “Why?” incessantly? Like that.
Yes, we’ve all done this before, especially when facing life’s biggest decisions or dilemmas (e.g. marrying, moving, making career changes). But have you asked it of yourself today--with what you’re doing right now? Have you asked it repeatedly? When was the last time you actually penned or pecked out a list of 25 reasons for doing this, that or the other?
Why power is different from will power in two potentially life-changing ways: 1. Connecting with our “whys” is always an inspiring and empowering experience...helping us realign with our deepest and most trustworthy self; 2. Connecting with our “whys” is a surprisingly enlightening exercise...ultimately helping us name not just our reasons for “doing,” but preeminently, our reasons for “being.” These are two connections we all desperately need to make right now as evidenced by current world events--and about which “will” power knows nothing.
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