THIS Is When You Need Your "Why"

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going".

So says folk wisdom. Maybe that works for other people, but not me. When things get complicated and super hard, if I'm not invested in it, I'm super tempted to just stop. It has to be worth the effort and headache. There has to be a significant motivation pushing me forward.

A "why".

While I won't be pushed over or easily convinced of something I don't believe, I generally like to have things be peaceful. I want to have understanding and smooth things out. I don't thrive on conflict. If it's not very important to me, I'm not going to fight about it or for it.

There are a lot of quotes about courage but they all have a similar theme - something else becomes more important that your fear. You are willing to face that fear because your goal or desire is bigger than the fear. You won't let it control you and your actions.

I think everyone needs a "why". The office worker who sits in a cubical, to the entrepreneur, to the stay-at-home-mom, to the teacher, etc. No matter how much you love your job and your life, you HAVE to have a solid reason and motivation for why you chose the life you did. There HAS to be something you can go back to on the days when it's all overwhelming and there are deadlines or things are not going according to plan, or the kids are a mess. When you're faced with doing something you're really scared about doing. What is going to make you overcome those situations, rather than giving up?

For many, including me, a large part of that is my faith. One day, when I'm married and things are hard, (because it's inevitable), my faith and my commitment to my promises as a result of that faith, will help me through. Jesus is our Rock in the storms. I've already experienced that.

But maybe it's not a life storm. Would Jesus really care if you just gave up your endeavor? I don't know. I do know that having a "why", a solid reason behind your choice of work, is crucial to sticking it out during the hard times. The times you want to throw your hands in the air and admit defeat.

I have several "whys". I want to strengthen families. I want to give people a tangible reminder to be their own "why" to persevere in the hard times. I want to serve others. I want to spread Christ's love through every interaction I have with people and in how I run my business.

The thing about a "why" is it has to be bigger than you. Sure, you choose your job because you want the life that it can give you, the perks, etc. Those are good things and valid reasons. But those won't be enough. If your "whys" are all about you, it won't be enough reason to keep going. There has to be a bigger reason.

No matter what you do every day, do you have a "why"? If not, I'd encourage you to think about it and come up with one. (And then come back and tell me what it is if you remember!). If you already have a "why", I'd love to hear what it is!!!