Prefer why over how ^94%

The Power of Prioritizing "Why" Over "How"

Have you ever found yourself getting bogged down in the details of how to achieve your goals, only to lose sight of what's truly important? It's a common trap, but one that can hold us back from making progress and achieving success. In this article, we'll explore why prioritizing "why" over "how" is crucial for career advancement and personal growth.

Understanding the Difference Between "Why" and "How"

Before we dive in, let's quickly define what we mean by "why" and "how". "Why" refers to the underlying purpose or goal behind an action or decision. It's the reason we're doing something, the problem we're trying to solve, or the benefit we hope to achieve. On the other hand, "how" refers to the specific methods, steps, or actions taken to achieve that goal.

The Problem with Getting Caught Up in "How"

When we focus too much on the "how", we can become overwhelmed by the details and lose sight of what's truly important. We might spend hours researching different approaches, attending workshops, or reading books, only to find that they don't quite fit our needs. This can lead to analysis paralysis, where we're unable to make a decision or take action because we're too focused on finding the perfect solution.

• Consider the following scenarios:
• You're looking for a new job, but instead of focusing on what kind of work you want to do, you spend all your time updating your resume and practicing interview skills.
• You're trying to improve your public speaking skills, but instead of joining a Toastmasters group or taking a class, you spend hours watching YouTube videos and reading books on the subject.

The Benefits of Focusing on "Why"

When we focus on the "why", we're able to clarify our goals and priorities. We're more likely to make decisions that align with our values and aspirations, and we're less likely to get bogged down in details. This can lead to greater productivity, motivation, and overall success.

Putting It into Practice

So how can you start prioritizing "why" over "how"? Here are a few strategies to try:

• Ask yourself questions like:
• What is the underlying purpose or goal behind this action?
• Why am I doing this? What problem am I trying to solve?
• What benefit do I hope to achieve?

Conclusion

Prioritizing "why" over "how" can have a profound impact on our careers and personal lives. By focusing on the underlying purpose or goal behind an action, we're able to clarify our priorities, make more informed decisions, and achieve greater success. So next time you find yourself getting caught up in the details of how to achieve your goals, take a step back and ask yourself: why am I doing this?