The Whats and the Whys
Here are two questions to ask today—what are you doing, and why are you doing it?
The questions spawn from me being a cycling nerd. A YouTube channel I follow (https://www.youtube.com/@NorCalCycling) gives the proverbial (great) tips and tricks to help you win your next local criterium.
Here’s the deal--you see someone on their bike making a move to the front of the pack early in the race. You decide to follow the move.
Why are you making that move? Do you *really* need to be there at the front right now? Can you save some energy, stay in the pack, and win the sprint at the end?
Or. Why are you getting up, getting dressed, hopping in the car, to clock into a job you hate?
Or. Why are you getting up, getting dressed, hopping in the car, to clock into a job you know you can do from home more easily, without the office distractions?
Whys are dangerous questions. If you have little kids, you know. And your kids aren’t going to be satisfied until they know.
Whys force us, in small, quiet, moments, to consider alternatives we’d rather not consider. Or, maybe, not courageous enough. Whys add friction into the equation.
Yet, that is the entire game, isn’t it? Being courageous enough to ask—what am I doing? Why am I doing this?
Is what I’m doing serving my purpose?
Is why I’m doing what I’m doing serving my purpose?
(I still consider myself a journalist, so I can still ask tough questions.)
In your office cubicle, or on your bicycle, are you going to ask yourself the questions?
What are you doing?
Why are you doing it?
I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified health and career coach, trained in habit change, helping people gain clarity on their career and health journeys. I invite you to click on the link, and let’s talk about how I can support you.