In the busyness of life there is always one question that catches my attention and centers me back. It’s a simple question I learned to recognize meaning years ago and it has shaped much of my life. Now, more than ever, I feel like I need to come back to it.
Why am I doing all of this?
Much of the meaning in this question has found a root in my faith. But that internal motive quickly found its meaning with my work. I was first introduced to this question as I read Simon Sinek’s wonderful book “Start with Why”, which focuses on the force of significance behind some of the most successful endeavours in human history. This book and this question were a big catalyst in my corporate work and shaped my leadership as it helped me connect organizations with results. But life is much more than just work and so this question infiltrated my heart and challenged me to think through the meaning of my actions as a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and even as a friend.
I’ve always welcomed challenging questions as a way to engage with others and grow, but this one really changed me. I think we often live our lives with points of interest that, while different, flow in the same direction. But when we question the why we question the source of that thought and the direction it may lead us to. That is when real change happens. My why has given me freedom and direction to make some difficult decisions. These might seem trivial but they have changed the course of my life. Decisions such as saying no to job offers, or yes to relocating with work; no to certain foods, or yes to early morning workouts; no to certain purchases, or yes to a trip across the ocean.
I can honestly say this question has brought greater focus into my life. And I am recognizing I need that focus to be clear again. I need to answer that same question again in the context of new corporate roles, older kids, and more years of marriage.
Why do I blog?
I blog because it gives me pleasure to use my gift of writing with the hope to encourage others. Truly, this is why I write! I’m not an expert in the topics of home and work because I never make mistakes, I’m an expert because I fall down, learn from it, and hopefully get back up stronger than before.
I post messages online because I hope to reach even if one person and make them realize that life can be fun when we are vulnerable enough to be true to ourselves and the people around us. That is why I share about my lessons at work. This is why I tell my kids about how big my shortcomings are. This is why I humbly share the ways I am growing as a human being and Christ-follower.
My hope is that one day these writings will serve as an artifact for my family and friends to know that I cared enough about them that I would share openly about my life, my leadership, and my faith.
This is why I blog. Why do you do what you do? I would love to hear from you.
David Marques 