BUT WHY, by AChuckAllen
The picture above is of my second grandson, Ford Landis. This little dude is super cool and has captured my heart. He has a way of asking the same question…ABOUT EVERYTHING! That question – “But Why?”
One thing that can drastically improve our relationships, our leadership, and our productivity is answering Ford’s question – BUT WHY?
Most of us have a clear understanding of what is expected of us, but if everyone only did what was expected, this world would be a bit dull and lifeless. The space between what is expected and what we volunteer above the expectation bar is often the difference between good and awesome.
What fuels that gap from expectation to extraordinary is the difference between world-changers and everybody else. It is what gets us up in the morning and energizes our days. It’s isn’t education. It isn’t finances. It isn’t the opportunity that gives you a break. It is knowing why you do what you do!
Nietzsche once said, “He who has a WHY to live for can bear almost any how.”
Simon Sinek, one of the brightest people on the planet made this statement in his book, Find Your Why, offers a Captain Obvious idea that is the fuel to blow past expectation and enter the land of extraordinary; “Very few people or companies can clearly articulate WHY they do WHAT they do. By WHY I mean your purpose, cause or belief – WHY does your company exist? WHY do you get out of bed every morning? And WHY should anyone care? People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it.”
Discovering your why can radically change the trajectory of your life, your goals, your career and your relationships. To help prime your pump, here a few of my “WHY’s.”
AChuck’s Brief Why List:
Why do I want to serve and honor Jenny, my wife? Because she is an incredible person that deserves the honor and admiration of her husband AND it creates a more peace-filled environment in our home and lives.
Why do you counsel people when it isn’t really a part of your expected job description? Because I am affirmed and blessed that I am allowed the privilege to assist people through some of their difficult seasons of life.
Why do you continue serving Sugar Hill Church with 80 hour weeks? Because I have been directed by the prompting of the Divine to, 1) Lead Sugar Hill Church out of debt, 2) Break the cycle of poverty in our city through immersing resources and volunteers in the process of educating children through their freshman year in college, in the name of Christ, 3) To build a community of transitional homes designed to assist single parents and assist/equip them to get back on their feet through a loving community of faith. 4) to build lifelong relationships with our public schools, local business and our municipality that better our community and leave a lasting legacy of cooperation. 5) To leave a healthy church and staff, built on the truth that the Bible is a Very Big Deal, Jesus is the Biggest Deal and Serving Others as a Way of Life.
I hope these might help you as you start answering your WHY!
–AChuck
