“If you can remember why you started, they you will know why you must continue.”
-Chris Burkmenn
Have you ever started something with no understanding of the true purpose behind it? If so, How motivated were you to finish what you started? When the purpose behind what you are doing is unknown, obstacles become easier to give into. But, when you truly understand the purpose behind what you do it pushes you to continue, despite any obstacles you may face. Purpose is like gasoline in a car, it keeps you going so that you can reach your destination. `
I remember my ninth 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 enjoy 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 of basketball. OvertimeI started to get bored with everything. I wasn’t really passionate about playing and I didn’t really feel sense of purpose in it. My only purpose was that my friends convinced me to do it. 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 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 life. 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. I want to share what I learn to help bring others hope. I started blogging three years ago, and my blog and brand has grown tremendously over the years. Blogging hasn’t been an 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. These are some things this process has taught me about remembering the “Why” behind what I do:
1.) Remembering your “why” will keep you motivated
Knowing the impact I could make as I encourage people motivates and encourages me so much. When I am writing and blogging I get so excited thinking about the one person who can be encouraged by something I share.
2.) Remember your “Why,” shifts your mindset
I feel like I really can do whatever it put my mind to. I know that no matter what obstacles I face each day is a new day and I have a chance to do it again. I have a mindset of hope and optimism because the purpose in fueling me.
3.)Remembering your “why,”challenges you to be intentional
When I remember my “why,” I live life with intention. I know that there are certain things I need to do in order to accomplish my goal. This helps me to stay focused and not waste time on things that don’t truly matter.
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 then my purpose is being accomplished.
I haven’t given up because I understand the purpose of what I am doing. Being able to step back and see the difference I am making has continued to encourage me to push forward. What if I would have given up when things got hard? I wouldn’t have seen so much of the fruit that I am now seeing. This has taught me to never despise small beginnings when you know that purpose of what you are doing. 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!
Intentional Hope 