Chasing the ‘Why’ Instead of Running from the ‘Why Not’

My entrepreneurial journey used to be motivated by a desire to escape the limits of a typical employment, the fear of not having enough, and the Sisyphean challenge of climbing the corporate ladder. It was a race away from what I didn’t want — not toward what I really wanted. 

Looking back. it seemed like an exciting pursuit scene from an action film. I was the hero, fleeing the villains of “normal” job discontent and financial restraints. But here’s the story twist: I was racing so fast away from my fears that I didn’t see I was going in circles. Looking back, it’s quite amusing. 

Simon Sinek’s mantra “Start With Why” has now become so clear to me. It should have been about what I was leaping toward, not what I was running away from. Understanding my ‘why’ – my purpose and passion – has recently turned my frantic rush into a deliberate journey. 

From fleeing to pursuing, discovering my ‘why’ was like finding a compass in the middle of nothingness. I am no longer a corporate runaway; instead, I am becoming a seeker of my own truth in business. This transformation from a bad desire to a good goal was like to turning on a light in a dark room. The shadows of dread and uncertainty started to vanish as everything became clearer. 

Embracing my ‘why’ required connecting my activities to my larger aims and ideals. It wasn’t just about earning a livelihood; it was about living a life that reflected who I am and what I believe in. This wasn’t only a shift in course; it was also a shift in identity. 

As it does, it makes me wonder about fellow entrepreneurs – “Are you running away from something, or are you running toward your ‘why’?” Discovering and accepting your genuine purpose may shift your business path from a survival race to a search for satisfaction. 

I had to navigate through my fears in order to properly comprehend and appreciate my ‘why.’ 

d of Running from the ‘Why Not’