What is your “Why” statement?

[John Hyatt]

I hear all the time in seminars, books, and even talking with mentors to write down my “Why”. They provide the example Darren Hardy uses of walking a plank for $20 anyone would do it easily. Then they say if the plank was at the top of two skyscrapers then there is no way you would do it for $20. If however, you child was on the other skyscraper and the building was burning you would run across and save them for no money at all. They ask what changed? And the answer is your “Why” (Darren Hardy says it much better than me, but hopefully you have heard the story or similar). I have a why statement and its true its all the reasons why I would do something, but when I read it I don’t get all passionate. My main why is financial independence so I can spend time with my wife and future kids (none yet) and help those less fortunate (My actual Why statement is several sentences – this is just a summary). I feel like my “Why” statement isn’t that powerful, although it is the true reason why I work so hard and never give up.

I tried searching online for some good “why” statements, but I couldn’t find any, only mission statements.Hence, the reason for this post is, do you have a “why” statement that you would like to share? Is it supposed to make you feel passionate every time you read it? I am reading it every morning and night, but feel like I need to change it to make me more passionate when I read it. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

-John