I went on a journey of sorts in 2018.
After sharing my why with readers earlier this year, I wanted to know what makes other people jump out of bed in the morning. So I started asking those around me. I may have even asked you!
It was humbling to have such amazing individuals take the time to open up and share their purpose. My quest resulted in stories that included values embedded as children that continue to serve as pillars, mentors leaving indelible marks on career paths, and trying times that deliver resilience along with a laser focused purpose.
Joe Motz, President and CEO of the Motz Corporation, shared with me a voyage of self awareness that had him looking at his life through a new lens and redefining his Why.
“Years ago I was leading a business and found myself in that constant cycle of doing which eventually resulted in business burnout.” This burnout Joe talks about led to him selling the lawn care division of the company and reflecting on what he could have done differently. He wanted to regain his vision of what really matters.
“I went through an exercise of self discovery to figure out what was relevant and what wasn’t. People pack for their fears. I found the joy in “unpacking” and that process allowed me to discover the values I want to live by.” Joe found he needed to change his mindset from “growing the grass in his business to growing the people.”
“I realized that my true Why is to build an everlasting organization with a foundation of servant leadership. For me, living a full life means investing in, and developing, the people that make up the business.”
Talking to Joe, it was obvious his Why is solid. We may throw around the word “passion” to the point where it gets diluted but Joe certainly has passion for his team. You can hear it in his voice and feel it in the stories he retells.
It’s not easy to be transparent and admit when we’ve stumbled but when we show our vulnerability, we become stronger and more aware of our purpose. That’s a quality of a great leader.
I plan to continue on this journey in 2019. I’d love to hear about how you discovered your Why.
– Pam
Suggested Reading to Find Your Why
The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn
This is an older book published in 2004 but it is a quick read that shows you there are no insignificant or ordinary jobs when you know why you are doing them.
Finding Your Element by Ken Robinson with Lou Aronica
In this one published in 2013, Robinson offers a series of practical exercises to help you discover your own talents and passions.
The Art of Work by Jeff Goins
The path to your life’s work is both difficult and mysterious, which is why few finish the journey. This book is about discovering your true calling—that thing you were born to do.