In my short experience of life so far many things have been expected of me. Expectations that may align with my own personal ambitions, but sometimes don’t. I’m sure many of you can relate to the constant pressures of needing to do well in school, having to go to university and the mandatory need to land a great job afterwards. If it’s not my own or others expectations placed upon me, I can often find myself comparing my ability and achievements to those around me. But, it doesn’t stop there. As an avid lover of social media and the unique role it plays in society, it has become so easy at times to subconsciously glamourise a lifestyle I have no intention of living. For these reasons, now more than ever have I been wondering; “why do we do what we do?”

If there’s one thing I’ve come to realise, it’s that your ‘why’ is truly something that nobody can choose for you and for that reason it should never be taken lightly. Whether you base your purpose around financial reward, personal satisfaction, providing for others or simply making someone proud. Our ‘why’ asks the question as to what will give you true fulfilment when all is said and done?

I’m sure some of us would have heard the saying: “Dreams don’t work unless you do”. An idea that sharply came into focus the moment I started university. As students, studying towards your degree can sometimes feel very daunting, repetitive and even pointless. It’s times like these when our ‘whys’ have to be clearer than ever. Write them down, stick them on the wall, tell people about them. Do whatever it takes to firmly cement your ‘why’ into your daily routine and keep your eyes fixed on the bigger picture. With clear dreams and vivid goals a diligent work ethic is bound to follow.

“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men” – Proverbs 22:29

It’s imperative you visualise the dream, the process and the impact you want to have on those around you. Knowing why we do what we do creates the determination to really set goals and go score them. Once I realised this, notions of self-doubt and uncertainty were no longer a factor in my life.

At this moment in time many of us are heading into a crucial period in our young lives: Exam Season. Whether it be GCSE, A-Levels or University, It’s easy to lose sight of the end game when you’re wrapped up in hours of revision every day. Amidst the grind of constant study take the time out to remind yourself of the importance of these exams and how they are taking you to one step closer to where you want to be. Overcoming this struggle and working towards the best results possible may be an integral part of your vision.

Lastly, it’s inevitable that at some point in our lives we are all going to experience one struggle or another. Eric Thomas described it best: “Our ‘why’ has to be greater than the trials, the defeats and the losses”. Once you find yourself with a deeply rooted reason as to why you do what you do, there will be no room for compromises. No room for excuses and a resilience that nobody can talk you out of.

I don’t know about you, but now more than ever have I needed my ‘why’. Why this degree? Why these dreams? Why is failure not an option? Ask yourself who you want to be, figure out what truly makes you happy. I challenge you to find out “What’s Your Why?”

Hope this helps!

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