Why and How

“If we want to feel an undying passion for our work, if we want to feel we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves, we all need to know our WHY.” -from the book Find Your Why by Simon Sinek

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” -Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Before deciding to start a potential passion project, first ask “Why?”

“Why me?” “Why now?” “Why am I doing this?”

Make sure you’ve cemented a strong why for yourself and the project.

(Also ask “Who’s it for?” Make sure you’re clear on that. Even if your intended audience is just you.)

Only after you’ve answered “Why?” and have decided to make this project no matter what, then ask “How?”

“How can I achieve what’s in my head?” “How can I make this excellent?” “How can I stay the course?”

When the inevitable obstacles surface and they will, you need only concern yourself with “How?”

Not asking: “Why did this happen to me?” (That leads to inaction.)

But instead asking: “How can I use this obstacle to help make this project even better?” (Now you’re cooking with gas.)