Start with the Why

Have you ever wondered why some people or organizations are more successful, influential, or innovative than others? What is the secret behind their achievements? How can we learn from them and apply their strategies to our own goals?

The Power of the Why

The answer, according to Simon Sinek, is to start with the why. In his bestselling book and TED talk, Sinek explains that most people or organizations communicate from the outside in, starting with what they do and how they do it. But the most inspiring leaders and organizations communicate from the inside out, starting with why they do what they do.

The why is the purpose, the cause, or the belief that drives every action. It is the core of your identity, your vision, and your motivation. It is what makes you stand out from the crowd and attract loyal followers. It is what inspires you and others to take action.

Examples of the Why

Sinek uses examples from history and business to illustrate his point. He shows how Martin Luther King Jr. started with a dream of racial equality and how that inspired millions of people to join his movement. He shows how the Wright brothers started with a passion for flying and how that enabled them to overcome many challenges and invent the airplane. He shows how many successful companies start with a clear vision of why they exist and how that helps them create loyal customers and innovative products.

The Golden Circle Framework

Sinek also provides a framework called the Golden Circle, which can help anyone or any organization find their why and communicate it effectively. The Golden Circle consists of three concentric circles: the why at the center, the how in the middle, and the what at the outer edge. The why is your reason for being, your cause, or your belief. The how is your value proposition, your differentiation, or your unique selling point. The what is your product, service, or offering.

By starting with the why and moving outward to the how and the what, you can create a clear and compelling message that resonates with your audience. You can also align your actions with your why and create a consistent and authentic brand. You can also attract people who share your why and build a loyal community around your cause.

I want to share below this nice infographic from Rachel Turner.

How to Start with the Why

I highly recommend reading Sinek’s book or watching his TED talk if you want to learn more about this powerful concept. It will change the way you think about yourself, your work, and your relationships. It will help you discover your true potential and unleash it in the world.

Start with the why and see what happens. You might be surprised by the results.