Insights from the popular book, "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek
When you have spent several decades on this earth you start to experience numerous Deja Vu or ‘where have I heard that before’ moments.
Last year I read the hugely popular book ‘Start with Why ‘written by Simon Sinek. In essence it explains that our success in achieving a certain goal or outcome will be directly proportional to how much we desire it, and compelling reason that is important, our WHY.
In reality there is nothing revolutionary or new in that message, however the challenge is following through and bringing that WHY to fruition. The reasons for that form the basis of why I do what I do today as a performance coach.
As I suspected, something triggered in the back of my mind that I had heard this ‘WHY’ message before, and I started to look in my archives. Here are some quotes that span several centuries of knowledge.
‘He who has a why to live for, can bear almost any how.’
~ Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)
‘A ‘No’ uttered from deepest conviction is better and greater than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble.’ (Implies you have identified your ‘Why’)
~ Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
‘It’s easier to say No when a deeper Yes is burning inside.’
~ Dr. Stephen Covey (1932-2012)
‘The unexamined life is not worth living.’
~ Socrates (470-399BC)
There are numerous other examples to illustrate the point around pre-existing and universal knowledge including ‘The Law of Attraction’ which was brought to life in 2006 by Rhonda Byrne is her book ‘The Secret’.
Its origins in fact can be traced in time to examples like The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel in 1912 as well as numerous references in the Bible. Most of what we experience in life is rarely new, it just happens to be outside of our immediate consciousness.
Let me provide one practical example that I implement with my clients and students to help bring meaningful concepts to life.
On a bi-monthly basis we scrutinize, extract, and discuss the key wisdom from a book of our choice. We assess its relevant applicability and how to successfully implement into our personal or business lives.
In Summary
We summarize the book in the following way:
- The overriding principle or message from this book; the authors WHY.
- The 5-6 key concepts considered most relevant.
- The practical applicability to them, including the positive difference it would make.
- One concept they can apply right away and one immediate action to move it forward.
- What changes (if any) will they need to make to their routines and processes to ensure any implementation and roadblock obstacles can be met and overcome.
This is one strategy we utilize to implement practical wisdom and knowledge. We find this to be both a great fun and learning exercise. Plus, and importantly, these commitments will be added to our coaching agenda for accountability purposes.
I will leave you with this final thought.
Data and Information is important, knowledge is great, intelligence is awesome but applied wisdom is what really makes the difference in people’s lives.
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