While in session with my amazing Life Coach, she asked a question that baffled me and opened up a new door of possibility. I will share that question with you. It is simply “what for”. She also asked me “what for” I did something or didn’t do what I wanted or needed to do.
Yes! What for do I open the curtains of my room in the morning, “what for” I watch a show, “What for” everything.
She asked me to write “what for” I do everything I do on a daily basis for a week.
What for? In order to find out where my time goes and the reasons I have assigned these times to those activities. As well, this question can help me see where my mind is at. What I am thinking about.
As a Life Coach myself, I ask the same questions, but in a different way. I would ask you to write everything you do in a day or week in order to analyze your activities to structure a goal-minded schedule. Let’s find out why you do something in order to find out if that is what you really want to do or how beneficial it is in order to achieve your goals.
However, the question of “what for” enables me to find out the purpose for which I do something or I don’t. I tend to find explanations of why I do or don’t do something.
I have realized that finding explanations that start with the word “because” are answering the question “why”. In many instances, we need to find out why in order to find the root cause of something. Yet, finding out “what for” entails purpose, gives a sense of responsibility, and builds mindfulness.
Now, whenever I am about to do or not do something I ask myself “what for” I should or not do that activity. This makes me think before I act and it helps me not refrain from doing what I need or desire to do. It allows me to make more conscious choices with my time and with the path that I am taking to achieve my goals. Whether the goals are emotional growth or financial ones.
I invite you to ask yourself “what for” you are doing something.
The answer might surprise you. You might catch yourself doing things for the wrong reason. You might find that you do things for others more than for yourself, even when are not needed. You might also find encouragement to pursue something you are not facing in your life right now.
Why should you try to ask less “why” and more what for?
Because you deserve your very best. The answer to “Why” might make your pain or heartache feel validated, it might help you find the root cause of your feelings and that is ok. However, after asking “why” whether you find an answer or not, asking “what for” might help you gain ground and momentum to structure your actions toward achieving goals and growing.
With much love,
Alicia
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