Remember Why You Started

If you can remember why you started, then you will know why you must continue.

-Chris Burkmenn

Have you ever did something and you didn’t know the purpose behind why you were doing it? How motivated were you to finish what you started? When you truly understand the purpose behind what you do, you are more likely to understand why you must continue despite the obstacles you may face.

I remember my 9th grade year of school when my friends convinced me to try out for the basketball team. All my friends were on the team and I really did enjoying shooting basketball, so I decided to try out for the team. I wasn’t very good at dribbling the basketball but I was a great shooter and had a willingness to learn and get better. I ended up making the team and started to learn so many of the basic fundamentals, but overtime and through all the practices I started to get bored with everything. I wasn’t really passionate about playing and I didn’t really feel a purpose behind why I was doing what I did. My only purpose was that my friends convinced me to. I look back at the time and I realize that because I didn’t identify a true purpose and reason behind what I was doing, I didn’t have the motivation to push myself to continue, so I eventually quit.

This made me think of how people quit on things that they don’t identify a true purpose in doing. If I would have discovered a purpose in playing basketball I would have continued even through the hard times because I understood the purpose behind what I was doing.

This example has taught me that there should always be purpose behind everything that you do. When you truly take time to discover the “why” behind what you do, you will eventually discover the “what” and “how” to accomplish your why.

When I started my blog and brand, “Intentional Hope,” my entire purpose was to help encourage and motivate people to continually grow through each season of their lives. I made a commitment to share everything that I was learning through my everyday personal experiences and books that I was reading. Being intentional about my personal growth has really changed my life so much that I want to share what I’ve experienced because I realized the transformation it could bring to others. I started blogging two and a half years ago, and my blog and brand has grown tremendously over the years. Blogging hasn’t been and easy experience and I’ve had to learn so much in the process but because I understand the purpose it makes all the hard work and sacrifice worth it.

There were times that I wanted to quit because I didn’t feel like I had the support or that anyone was really reading what I wrote. Despite all the doubts that I had in the beginning I kept going anyway because I understood the purpose of why I was writing. If I could encourage one person to keep going, believing, growing and dreaming than my purpose was being accomplished.

The reason why I haven’t given up is because I understand the purpose of what I am doing and with all the comments and feedback I get it’s helping to affirm that purpose. I truly know how much of a difference I am making, if I would have quit in the beginning I would have never experienced some of the fruit of all the hard work I’ve been putting in. Think about something you’ve been working hard at over the years, what things are you now able to experience because of the hard work you’ve put in?

Think about the “why” behind what you are doing. Do you truly understand your “why”? Understanding your “why” will help you to continue to push forward because it becomes driving force behind what you do.

“When you feel like giving up remember why you started.” Remember the dreams that you have and would like to see happen one day. Remember the people who are connected to what you accomplish today. Remember that what you do today is building the future that you will see tomorrow. Don’t ever give up on something you can’t stop thinking about. Keep putting in the work and trusting the process. Remember why you started.

When you start to feel discouraged or feel like quitting go back to your “why.” Remind yourself of the purpose behind why you do what you do. Things wont look the same forever, always remember that this is only a season. Continue to grow through each season of your life and always remember why you started.

Thanks for reading! I hope this encourages you. What’s one thing you dream of doing one day? What’s the purpose behind your dream? Comment below I would love to hear your story!