“Why” of My Light

“Why” of My Light

Why?

“Why” is important to understand before getting into the “What” and “How” of what we choose to do.

I am about to start the seventh week of my spring semester sabbatical at Elon University. It is a different feeling having time away from campus for creating, researching and travel. So far, during my sabbatical I have thought quite a bit about my “Why.”

I shared with a close friend and colleague my upcoming thoughts about Friendly Light, Cara Lucia and plans for the next upcoming year. She shared with me a video titled “Know Your Why” by Michael Jr.

When you know your why, your what has more impact, because you are walking in your purpose.
– Michael Jr.

“Why” do I study leadership, campus recreation, or higher education practice. “Why” do I find myself serving at my university, at my church, in my local community. “Why” is quality time with family and friends a must?

“Why” do I do the things that I do?

My “Why” is to inspire others to be their unique self, to embrace those who challenge and support their personal growth and to choose not to compromise passion for what others believe we should be. To always listen with an open heart and create a space for intentional understanding. I advocate for self-awareness and encourage others to create environments that use critical dialogue techniques to enhance team development and build strong communities. My “Why” flows through both my personal and professional life.

When asked about how I do something or what I do, I consciously think about…do the things I do align with my “Why.”

Life takes place each waking day, we achieve or we make it through the next challenge. With two and a half months left of my sabbatical I believe this is the first time in a long time that I have intentionally reflected on my “Why” and considered the past and present of my “How” and “What”.

As I look to the future I will take this time to reflect on my “Why”, to determine “What” I will do next and “How” I will contribute. My “Why” is the foundation in all I do.

In Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk titled, “How Great Leaders Inspire Action,” he demonstrates how others have known their “Why” and use their “Why” to inspire action. Once the “Why” is known by you and others, the “What” and “How” will begin to fall into place.

Identifying your “Why” is important as a leader. You need to know your “Why” to inspire others.

Don’t feel guilty taking time to reflect about your “Why.” Allow yourself time to reflect on your “Why” to make decisions about “What” you will choose to do and “How” you will choose to contribute.

If you find yourself one day asking yourself…”Why,” perhaps it is time to stop, reflect, and repurpose the “What” and the “How.”

Get to knowing your “Why” and get to work.

With this in mind, I am taking time to think about my “Why” for the next three months, I will be sharing past blog posts and I will continue to work on writing projects primarily focused on research efforts.

In June, be on the lookout for a few changes regarding “What I choose to do and “How” I choose to contribute to the world of authentic leadership by using Friendly Light, Cara Lucia as a catalyst.

I want to thank so many of you for challenging me and supporting me throughout this first year of Friendly Light, Cara Lucia.

I am excited to see where the light shines next.

What good is it having a belly if there is no fire in it? Wake up, drink your passion, light a match and get to work. – Simon Sinek