The book “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek illustrates a very inspiring concept.  The author said that after he started running his own marketing company for a few years.  He felt like a failure. He lost the energy for selling or even talking to people about his company.  He didn’t know what was going on. Then he realized that he has lost his “why” – the “why” of his own existence.  His “why” was to always inspire people. It doesn’t have to be via a marketing agency. It can be through any means.  When we found our “why” we should always filter all our decisions through this “Why”.

This is what he called a celery test.  Imagine if Tim talks to his friend before he visits the supermarket.  One friend tells him to buy the M&Ms chocolate, another friend tells him to buy Oreo cookies, another says to buy rice milk and the last friend tells him to buy celery.   He goes to the supermarket and buys all those things. At the checkout line, with a mix of many different foods, other people seeing the varieties of food in his cart would have no idea what this person stands for or believes in.  However, on the other hand, if Tim’s “why” is to stay healthy. Then he would filter his decision through his “why” and would only buy the rice milk and the celery. At the checkout line, it would be clear to the cashier and the bystanders that Tim wants to stay healthy.  The message is loud and clear.

If you are feeling down or unsuccessful with businesses, investments or work and even though you are doing well on paper or on the spreadsheet, maybe go back to look at your “why”.  Why are you doing what you are doing? Are you trying to spend more quality time with your family? Are you trying to create an estate for your kids and grandkids?  Are you trying to make the world a little better for the next generations? If you lost your “why” and only started to pursue the money, you will not be making the right decision. And no matter how successful you are on the spreadsheet, you will not feel satisfied or feel successful.  Think of your own “why” first.

Join our great community and enjoy more knowledge sharing like this one.  CAIF hosts regular free webinars for startups, providers and investors – See our next event.