Why Do You Do What You Do?

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by Chris Widener

Take a look at this email I just received from a high school student:
Mr. Widener, This is (Joe) a member of Mr. Johnson's DECA chapter (Eds. note: DECA is a national business program for high school students). I would like to thank you for speaking at National competition prep day, and also at the beginning of the school year. It has really helped me. This year the pieces are finally coming together in my puzzle of life. I attended DECA's National Competition this last week and returned yesterday. Including myself we sent 5 for competitive events, and one for leadership academy. I was the only student from my school to attend the Prep day when you spoke. I also was the only student from my school to be a finalist. I placed 11th. I ranked among the best in the nation. I did this as a first year sales and marketing student. A student from my school was in the same event didn't even make the finals. He went to nationals last year, this year he placed 1st in regionals, 2nd in state, and failed the cut at nationals. I placed 9th at regionals, 7th in state, and I made the finals and placed 11th at Nationals. I improved at every level, which was one of my goals. I said at prep day my goal was top ten. I was just short. To me the most important thing wasn't first place; it was making my parents happy. They were already extremely happy that I made it to state and also to nationals but making the finals at nationals was more important. I feel that they raised me to work hard, to continually improve, to get better, to be modest, and most importantly not to have an ego. Not only that, but it was important to make Mr. Johnson happy that he had a finalist. It was also to prove the people wrong that said, "I don't see why Joe is working so hard at it - he wont place." I heard one teammate say to another "People that don't place in the top 5 in state shouldn't even come to nationals - they don't have a chance." I made my parents, and Mr. Johnson happy, and proved the doubters wrong. Mr. Widener I feel that you helped me achieve this. You helped build my confidence.
You gave me motivation to go out and achieve. I am forever in your debt. Once again I would like to say thank you. Also I know of at least one other girl who went to prep day that made the finals.
Folks, THAT is why I do what I do! Yes I make great money and have a tremendous amount of freedom in my life, but the main reason I do what I do is because I make a difference in people's lives.
That is my motivational bread and butter so to speak.
So, let me ask you a question: Why do you do what you do?
For a paycheck?
Because your parents wanted you to do it?
It happened to be the first job you got when you got out of school?
These are important questions to ask.
You see, freedom only comes to us in life when we feel free doing what we do. We need to be energized by our work. We need to receive fulfillment from our work. We need to enjoy our work. That is different for each individual and what makes me happy and fulfilled isn't what will do it for you.
Do you have a deep, meaningful reason for doing what you do? There is no "right" answer, just one that drives you. I have found however, that many people are doing one thing for work but wishing they were doing something else. They are stuck in a rut where they are and do not know how to get out.
My Ebook, Live the Life You Have Always Dreamed Of, is designed to help you understand exactly how to live the life of your dreams. You can find it at madeforsuccess.solutioncart.com and click on "books."
"I'm stuck Chris. What do I do?"
Well, here are a few thoughts:
1. Take ownership of your current state. You are here because you chose to be. One way or another, you got yourself here. And you CAN get yourself out.
2. Decide what you want to do. Get to know yourself. Get to know your strengths and weaknesses, you hopes, desires and dreams. Get real and know your dream well.
3. Choose to move in that direction. It may mean quitting your current job. It may mean planning on doing so down the road.
4. Set your goals. Make them clear. Put time limits on them.
5. Be tenacious. Don't give up. Keep moving until you are in a spot where you are happy and fulfilled.
Of course the above is just basics, but that is the general idea.
I am doing exactly what I want to be doing. You can be too. In a short period of time you will be able to answer the question, "Why do you do what you do?" with, "Because I am passionate about it and it brings me the fulfillment I am looking for in my life!

Source:madeforsuccess.com