Why the "Why" Matters

There's one word that changes everything.

"Why" is the most important word for success in life.

We go to work. Why? Because we have to.

But why do we have to?

Because there's a bare minimum standard of life we've decided is non-negotiable.

That "why" dictates everything we do and accomplish.

Jim Rohn said it perfectly: "When the why gets stronger, the how gets easier."

Look at everything you've already achieved in your life and think back on why you did it.

Chances are it was a very compelling reason.

When something is truly a must for us, we don't wait around.

If you decide you need a couch so you don't sit on the hard floor, do you wait around for years wanting it?

Of course not.

You go out and get one.

Here's what Harvard teaches about negotiation:

The core principle is understanding your "best alternative to a negotiated agreement."

What happens if this deal doesn't work out?

What's your fallback plan?

The easier your alternative, the easier you walk away from accomplishing your goals.

Getting yourself to do anything is negotiating with yourself.

What's your current alternative if you don't find a better paying job?

If your current job is comfortable and you can afford most of the essentials you want, you're probably not rushing to find another one.

If your job is terrible and you don't have enough money to cover rent, you're probably sending out applications tonight.

This is why most people stay stuck:

They're comfortable with their alternative.

If you want to make more money but you're comfortable with your current situation, the road will be much harder.

But if you genuinely tell yourself that the life you're living today is not enough, you'll do whatever it takes.

And somehow, the work gets easier.

People won't do anything until they have to.

But when they have to, they can do anything.

Start thinking about why you have to.

Make your current situation unacceptable.

That's when everything changes.