Pushing Forward

Why?  Why do you do what you do?  Why did you begin in the first place?  Why do you continue?

I wrote last week about looking in the mirror instead of out the window.  The most important question we can ask ourselves when we look in that mirror is, “why?”  Beginning with understanding our why is the most important thing we can do.  Whether we are talking about our work with our students, going on a diet, or making the decision to buy a house…we have to start by asking, “why?”

I’m going to keep it short this week and want to share a couple videos with you.  First off is Simon Sinek, a marketing consultant, author, and motivational speaker.  His Ted talk, with almost 50 million views, will help you understand the science (don’t let the word science scare you, this is very interesting!) behind the importance of starting with the why.  As Simon says, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”  Everyone knows that you work with students every day to help them learn, but can you articulate (honestly) why?

Then, take a few minutes to get inspired about the work you do and continue thinking about your why with Rita Pierson’s Ted Talk.  Mrs. Pierson is an educator of 40 years, and wonderful storyteller, who knows her why and is incredibly inspirational.  If you’ve seen this before, that’s fine, watch it again as you can never see it too often!