What is WHY?
Simon Sinek is a renowned thought leader in the field of leadership and motivation. Best known for his TED Talk, "How Great Leaders Inspire Action," viewed over 60 million times, and his video on millennials in the workplace, reaching 80 million views in its first week, Simon introduces the concept of the Golden Circle. This concept explains the importance of starting with the "WHY" before delving into the "HOW" and "WHAT."
Simon's message resonates with people from all walks of life, as he challenges conventional thinking and encourages individuals and organizations to discover their purpose and create meaningful connections that bring greater fulfillment to their personal and professional lives.
The Concept of WHY Originates from Simon Sinek
WHAT
Every person on the planet knows WHAT they do. These are products they sell or services they offer. Our WHATs are the tangible manifestation of our WHY, the actual work we do every day.
HOW
Some people know HOW they do it. These are the things that make them special or set them apart from their competition. HOWs are the actions(values, principles, and strengths) we take when we are at our natural best to bring our WHY to life.
WHY
Very few people know why they do what they do. WHY is a purpose, cause, or belief. It is the driving force behind everything we do.
Neocortex
Connects with WHAT. Involved in higher-level thinking, rationality, and language.
Limbic Brain
Connects with WHY & HOW. Responsible for our emotions and feelings.
How we feel about something or someone is more powerful than what we think about it or them.
When we align emotionally with others, our connection is much stronger and more meaningful than any affiliation based on features, benefits, and facts.
This means that connecting with people's values, beliefs, and emotions can be crucial in influencing their decisions and actions.
Golden Circle
🧠 It is not an opinion, it's biology.
Need a Little More Inspiration?
Watch the Simon Sinek's classic "Start with Why" video below.
🤔 What Happens When You Discover Your WHY?
Discovering your WHY is a transformative journey that brings about numerous positive outcomes:
📍 Unwavering Assurance: Gain a profound sense of purpose and assurance in your life and career.
🎯 Focus on Purpose: Shift your focus from competition to your own purpose, dreams, beliefs, and vision, fostering a more authentic and meaningful journey instead of merely aiming to be #1 or the best
🔥 Renewed Passion: Ignite and rejuvenate your passion, infusing a newfound energy into your work and career.
😊 Life and Career Fulfillment: Attain fulfillment in both your life and career, moving away from the constant pursuit of fleeting excitement. Gain the ability to articulate precisely what fulfills you.
⚖️ Decision-Making Filter: Utilize your HOWs as a powerful filter for making consistent decisions, ensuring a harmonious alignment with your values, strengths, and principles.
🏃🏾♂️ Unique Journey: Concentrate on your unique journey rather than comparing yourself with others, fostering a path that is true to your identity.
Are You Inspired to Discover Your WHY?
Please read the 'How It Works' page before making a decision.
🙋🏽FAQs
Is Discovering a WHY a success formula?
No, there are many ways to be successful by traditional metrics. The Golden Circle is a tool to help us achieve long-term, fulfilling success.
"Making a lot of money" - Can this be a WHY for me?
Nope, making money is not a WHY. That's a result which is a WHAT.
"My family is my purpose. I work hard to support them." Can my family be my WHY?
The profound love and dedication for the family often motivate us to deeply care for both our spouse and children. But a WHY is who we are wherever we are (at home, at work, or with friends).
WHY and HOWs are things that I WANT TO accomplish or direct my life towards, right?
They do not express who we want to be. WHY is who we truly are. HOWs express how we actually behave - the things we actually do - when we are at our natural best.
Can I find my WHY on my own?
No, it's not possible to find your WHY on your own; you need a partner who can provide an objective perspective on your most impactful stories. Your partner can guide you to discover who you are, not just who you aspire to be.
Why does our WHY come from the past?
The WHY does not come from looking ahead at what you want to achieve, having the right strategy to get there, or any market research. It comes from looking in the completely opposite direction from where you are now. Finding WHY is a process of discovery, not invention. It is born out of the upbringing and life experience of an individual.
Aren't fulfillment and happiness the same? What are the differences between Fulfillment and Happiness or Excitement?
Happiness and excitement come from the things we do for ourselves, such as buying a new car, a brand-new bag, or getting a promotion or a bonus. It is a hit of dopamine. However, it is fleeting. It never gives us lasting fulfillment.
Fulfillment comes from serving others. People whose WHY is in service to others, rather than for themselves, are the ones who ultimately best serve themselves because, in the end, they experience the deepest fulfillment. It is the true, oxytocin-driven, life-lasting joy that comes from the quality of the relationships we make as we struggle over every obstacle along the way and the feelings we share when we win together.
