Some advantages of changing Why? for Why not?
That's it, Why not? If you read me you know that I am not much given to motivational speeches. In my opinion, the words "quality", "Democracy" and "passion" have been used so much they mean the opposite, and they area often used in absence of the concept. Although my profile is more emotional than rational, clearly I work to live and that two plus two equals four.
For some time now I have been thinking about when we became adults. As children, we love to constantly ask Why? Curiosity is the emotional DNA of childhood, and it allows us to know more than we would know if we were silent.
We never stop asking Why? but the difference is that as adults we move from curiosity to questioning. The adult version of Why? is too often a barrier before taking a step forward: Why should I do this or that? This phrase, seemingly innocent, it's often the origin of failure.
If you have little time, I invite you to see the video summary of this article in a minute:
Index
Why not?
I think that this Why not? it's equivalent to Why? of childhood applied in adults. It is a question that wants to overcome barriers, fears, and limiting beliefs. When someone proposes something that your rational side refuses to accept, let your other side act, the wild, creative side, and make this powerful question emerge: Why not?
Pros and cons
If you just ask Why?, you close the door on the possibilities. Instead Why not? you create a double denial, that is, you are on the positive path to seriously consider taking action and accepting challenge. Of course, you are open to considering pros and cons.
Reading biographies, I always come to the conclusion that people who have gone far have used Why not? more often than the rest of the world. If you take a look at one of the best biographical compilations of success and leadership, the duo "Aprendiendo de los Mejores" from Francisco Alcaide, you'll confirm that Why not? It is a common denominator of progress.
Tony Robbins asks why
Writer and lecturer Anthony Robbins (by the way, 2th example of "Aprendiendo de los Mejores" after Amancio Ortega) is considered the best mentor in personal development. I'm not going to reveal the reasons that led Francisco Alcaide to include it in his book, that would be spoiler.
However, there is one point in Robbins' personal story that fascinates me: He is able to explain his purpose and value proposition in just five words requiring two seconds: I’m the why guy (Soy el chico del Por qué). That's his "raison d'être"..
Have a look at the first few seconds of his TED to see how he presents himself::
And precisely the answer you get from his clients, mentees, coachees or those who listen to him is invariable: Why not?
It is an absolutely exceptional case. He wants to know your motivations so that you can ask yourself the question: Why couldn't I do this or that? Why not?
Why as a purpose
Many have referred before to the why as a purpose. From Nietzsche to Simon Sinek, to Viktor Frankl, the Why? question has helped us solve a complex puzzle: that of our reason for being.
When I wear hippie hat, I believe that few 21st century businesses and people will survive the absence of purpose. Although there are tools to find it, such as the Ikigai, we have not been educated to find an answer to such a complex question.
Why not, seen as an accelerator of purpose and action plan
A way that seems to me more opportune and simple to accelerate the answer to such an existential question is to break the negation: A simple Why? just deny, and break, while the Why not? facilitates, makes possible, makes flow.
Our purpose is also our vision, our contribution to improving the world, our dream, our legacy. So is it not true that all dreams break down barriers? Aren't dreams Why not?
Try it. Discover your purpose. And to accomplish it, repeat this same question at each stage of the journey, in your action plan.
Do you want some inspiration? Bill Gates and Paul Allen wondered in 1975 why not use their software to empower people. And not happy with it, they wondered why there couldn't be a computer in every house and on every office desk. Do you see now the power of this question? It's your turn. Have a nice week.
Why not Image by Comic Sans on Shutterstock.com
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Very interesting proposal. Ask why? It makes us look for reasons in the past, Why not? It makes us focus on the future.
But we can go further and ask What? Having defined our goals is the best lever to achieve what we set.
a greeting.