Discover Your Why
Simon Sinek’s Start with Why theory is a leadership and communication framework that emphasises the importance of understanding and communicating the purpose behind actions, products, and teams. It is based on the premise that people, including yourself, are inspired and motivated not by what you do or how you do it, but by why you do it. This idea is captured in his concept of the Golden Circle and explained in his book Start with Why and his famous TED Talk, How Great Leaders Inspire Action.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a visual framework consisting of three concentric circles:
Represents the purpose, cause, or belief behind what you do.
It answers: Why do you exist? Why do you do what you do?
This is the core of the message and is emotionally resonant.
Represents the processes, values, or methods you use to achieve your goals.
It answers: How do you do what you do differently or better than others?
Represents the tangible products, services, or actions you deliver.
It answers: What do you do?
Key Principles of the "Start with Why" Theory
Leadership and influence come from inspiring others rather than manipulating them with incentives, fear, or pressure.
People are more likely to connect with the purpose (why) than the product (what). This emotional connection drives loyalty and advocacy.
People who clearly articulate their why can inspire others to share their vision and align their actions toward a common goal.
When a person aligns why with the audience’s values, it fosters trust and long-term loyalty.
Simon Sinek uses the following example of how a company promotes their why first and appeals to emotions of their customers, making their products more than just tools—they become symbols of a shared belief system.
Why: Apple believes in challenging the status quo and thinking differently.
How: They design products with simplicity, innovation, and user-friendliness.
What: They create computers, smartphones, and software.
Sinek’s theory underscores that leading with purpose not only inspires others but also fosters authentic and meaningful connections. Whether applied in sports, personal development, or leadership, Start with Why offers a powerful lens for building trust, engagement, and sustainable success.
Start With Why TED Talk
Click on the video below to watch the TED talk. Remember this was recorded around 2009 and at some stage the 2nd most viewed TED talk. It has had over 12 million views.
Daily Intentions
Focus on the bigger picture today by paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Here are three daily intentions to ask yourself to help you stay connected to your why and purpose:
- Align Actions with Purpose: How will I approach today’s tasks with the awareness that they contribute to my bigger goals?
- Stay Connected to My Why: How will I remind myself why I do what I do, especially during challenges?
- Make an Impact: How will I look for opportunities to positively impact others and live out my purpose?
Reflective Questions
Here are three reflective questions to assess alignment with purpose at the end of your day:
- How did my actions today reflect my bigger purpose?
- When did I feel most connected to my ‘why’, and what triggered that feeling?
- How did I positively impact others today, and how can I create more meaningful moments tomorrow?
Wellbeing Check
The importance of completing your wellbeing check today is to align with your purpose. By asking yourself the following positive, empowering questions you are telling your unconscious mind to focus on what matters most to you. This is another step toward creating more happiness in your life.
Click below to complete today’s Wellbeing Check:
Well done today, you will thoroughly enjoy Day 5 tomorrow, How to Develop Empowering Habits.
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