Take Simon Sinek’s ‘Why’ to the Next Level with CliftonStrengths®
Why Finding Your 'Why' Matters
It’s easy to coast through life when everything is going well. But when challenges come your way—and they always do—your "why" becomes the anchor that keeps you grounded and moving forward. Your deeper purpose helps you push through setbacks, make tough decisions, and stay motivated when nothing seems to go your way. This is the essence of a hero’s journey. Every great story features a character driven by a purpose greater than themselves, and the same goes for each of us. Finding your "why" serves as a guide during tough times, helping you live a life that feels true to who you are.
Hacking Your Purpose with Strengths
We all want a deeper sense of purpose, but finding your "why" can sometimes feel out of reach. Simon Sinek’s "Find Your Why" provides a powerful framework to uncover what drives you. Aligning this process with CliftonStrengths® takes it to another level, making it more personal and impactful. Imagine hacking your purpose by understanding what makes you naturally unique. This approach puts you in the driver’s seat of your life.
The Power of Combining Frameworks
Simon Sinek’s approach to discovering your "why" centers around understanding your most significant life experiences, identifying patterns, and articulating your purpose in a clear, actionable statement: “To ____, so ____.” The first blank is for the contribution you make—the specific action you take to make a difference. The second blank is for the impact of that contribution—what it allows others to achieve or feel. Together, these two parts create a statement that captures what drives you and how it benefits others, turning your purpose into a simple, powerful expression.
Step 1: Reflecting on Your Stories with Strengths in Mind
Sinek’s first step involves reflecting on significant personal and professional stories. Here’s where CliftonStrengths can deepen your insights:
Identify Moments of Flow: Think about times when you felt fully engaged and effective. Which of your strengths were in play? For example, if you’re high in Connectedness, you might notice moments where you felt deeply in tune with people or ideas.
Spot Strengths Themes: Use your strengths to identify recurring themes. Maybe your Intellection and Learner strengths drove you to seek deep understanding, or your Adaptability helped you deal with changes with ease. These insights are clues leading you to your “why.”
Step 2: Finding Patterns and Themes with Strengths Alignment
As you gather your stories, look for common threads. CliftonStrengths helps you see beyond the surface, highlighting patterns shaped by your natural talents:
Strengths as a Lens: Instead of just asking, “What do these stories have in common?” ask, “How did my strengths shape these experiences?” This approach allows you to see connections that might otherwise be missed.
Strengths-Driven Purpose: Your strengths are not just skills—they are guides to what energizes you. For example, if you’re high in Input, your “why” might involve collecting and sharing knowledge that empowers others.
Step 3: Crafting Your ‘Why’ Statement
Now comes the magic—crafting your “why” statement. With your strengths in mind, you’re equipped to create a statement that feels not just inspiring but also true to who you are at the deepest level:
Template: Use Sinek’s structure: “To ____, so ____.” For example, “To inspire deep thinking and connection, so others can find meaning and keep moving forward with confidence.”
Strengths Alignment: Ensure your statement reflects your top strengths, creating a direct link between what you naturally excel at and what drives your purpose.
Step 4: Living Your Why with Strengths at the Forefront
Finding your “why” is just the beginning. Living it daily, guided by your strengths, brings the real transformation:
Purposeful Action: Use your strengths to inform your daily choices and actions. If you’re high in Learner, make time for continuous growth that feeds your purpose.
Strengths-Focused Adaptation: Let your strengths help you adjust your “why” statement as you grow. Your purpose can evolve, and CliftonStrengths provides a way to keep it aligned with who you are becoming.
My Personal Why and How I Live It
As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach®, my own strengths—Intellection, Input, Connectedness, Adaptability, and Learner—are what make me unique in this role. They guide me to think deeply, gather valuable insights, connect ideas and people, adjust to new situations, and continuously learn. These strengths shape my approach to coaching, helping me connect authentically with each client.
My personal "Why" is: To introduce others to their true selves so they can live with purpose and experience success every day. By knowing and embracing my own strengths, I am able to guide others in doing the same, allowing them to discover and live their own “why” with clarity and confidence.
Key Takeaways
CliftonStrengths provides a personalized lens to uncover your “why.”
Your strengths are pathways to your purpose.
Aligning your “why” with your strengths leads to authentic, purpose-driven living.
Take the Next Step: Discover and Live Your Why
Ready to hack your purpose? Start by exploring your strengths with the CliftonStrengths® Assessment and reflect on how they shape your journey. Combine this insight with Sinek’s framework to craft a “why” statement that truly fits. It’s time to unlock your potential and live a life driven by who you are at your core.
Want to Dive Deeper?
For a deeper dive into finding your “why,” check out Find Your Why by Simon Sinek, David Mead, and Peter Docker, and discover how you can align this powerful framework with your CliftonStrengths®. Grab your copy on Amazon here.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There’s no extra cost to you, but it helps support my work and allows me to continue sharing valuable insights with you.