Find Your Why: The Key to Purposeful Living

🔶 A. Introduction: When it seems something is missing

Have you ever felt that you did a lot of work throughout the day, but at the end of the day there was not a single moment when you felt that “yes, did I do something meaningful”?

The same happens when we are just going about our daily routine – without any clear purpose. Life feels a little uncontrolled, the energy gets low, and every task feels like a responsibility. Sometimes it feels like time is just passing by… no excitement, no motivation. Life feels a little mechanical, like something important is missing. It is something to think about – Some companies make good products but fail to survive in the market. Some people achieve success at one point but fail to maintain it. At the root of all problems is a common missing link – their ‘why’.

Simon Sinek explained this concept through a powerful model –

The Golden Circle.

This is not just a management theory, it is a way of life – whether you are a student, teacher, entrepreneur or in any profession. In this blog, we will discuss this Golden Circle in detail and how it plays an important role in our lives.

B. What is the Golden Circle? – A Simple Framework

Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle model consists of 3 concentric circles – one within the other:

🟡 WHAT – What do you do?

That is, what is your product, service or profession. Example: “I make a mobile”, “I teach”, “I run a coaching center.”

🟠 HOW – How do you do it?

This tells how you do your work in a unique or better way. Example: “I provide high-quality mobile phones at cheap rates”, “I teach through examples and stories.”

🔵 WHY – Why do you do it?

This is the most important and deepest layer. This belief reflects your system, vision and core mission. Example: “I want to connect people of the world”, “I want to increase the confidence of students so that they can achieve something big in life.”

What is the problem?

Most people and companies start thinking:

WHAT → HOW → WHY

That is, first they make a product or service, then think how to sell it, and in the end either the WHY is not clear, or it just remains a slogan. But successful leaders and organizations such as Steve Jobs (Apple), Elon Musk (Tesla), or Starbucks founder Howard Schultz have the opposite thinking pattern: WHY → HOW → WHAT

🔶 C. Real-Life Examples – Golden Circle in Action

1. M.S. Dhoni

• WHY:

Dhoni’s core belief was – “With teamwork and calm mind, even the impossible can be made possible.”

His purpose was to make the Indian cricket team a fearless and united team.

• HOW:

He always remained calm under pressure, promoted young players, and took decisions with intuition (like giving the final over to Joginder Sharma in 2007 T20 WC).

• WHAT:

Became one of the most successful Indian captains – won ICC trophies (T20, ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy), became a legendary finisher.

🧑‍💼 2. Ratan Tata

• WHY:

“To make something for the common man of India which can enhance both their dignity and convenience.” His mission was – to run business for the welfare of society.

• HOW:

Created affordable solutions – like Tata Nano, or worked in health/education through Tata Trusts.

• WHAT:

Chairman of Tata Group – created Tata Nano, Jaguar-Land Rover acquisition, and was counted among India’s most respected industrialists.

🍏 3. Steve Jobs (Apple)

• WHY:

Jobs believed – “People with passion can change the world.” He wanted the world to be innovation-driven by a fusion of creativity and technology.

• HOW:

Created simple, elegant, and user-friendly products – focused on design and emotional connect.

• WHAT:

MacBook, iPhone, iPad – revolutionary products that changed the way people live.

🚀 4. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

• WHY:

His vision was – “To make India self-reliant and scientifically empowered.” And to develop big dreams and a nation-first attitude among the youth.

• HOW:

Developed missile technology, gave vision 2020, connected with students – inspired them.

• WHAT:

Worked in DRDO/ISRO, played a key role in Pokhran-II nuclear tests, and became India’s “Missile Man” and People’s President.

🔶 D. What is the meaning of WHY in every role?

🧑‍🎓 Students:

Suppose you are a student of B. Pharm, Just the WHAT of studying or the HOW of clearing the semester will not inspire you.

But if your WHY is:

“I want to be a part of a better health system”

“I want to bring drug safety to the country”

Then every chapter of your subject or course becomes a mission.

✅ Example:

A student who wants to make a career in Pharmacovigilance – will study ADR chapters from a different perspective.

👨‍🏫 Teachers:

Teaching can be just a job until the WHY is not clear. But when your WHY is:

“I want my students to gain confidence, they should choose their mission, not a job”. Then you are not just teaching in the classroom, you are grooming leaders.

✅ Example:

A teacher who lives with a WHY, his students take not just marks but also mindset.

💼 Entrepreneurs & Professionals:

If your startup is just for earning money (WHAT), then customers will not be able to join long-term. But if your WHY is clear, like:

“I want to bring health education to rural India,” Then your brand can become a movement.

✅ Example:

Amul – their  WHY was : “Empower dairy farmers and provide quality milk to the nation.”

🔶 E. What happens when you don’t understand your WHY?

• Motivation is only temporary

• Every task seems like a burden

• Burnout is felt quickly

• Emotional connection with your work is broken

“Your WHY is your real fuel. When it ends, the vehicle of life stops – no matter how much hard work is done, the direction is not clear.”

🔶 F. How to discover your WHY?

👉 Which was that hour in the past which brought a big change in your life?

👉 Look at your past experiences – which work made you feel most alive?

👉 Understand the WHY of your role models – what did they believe in?

👉 Why comes out of your pain and struggle – what do you want to change in the world?

Questions to ask:

• What work gives me satisfaction?

• If money was not an issue, what would I do?

• What change does my work bring in the lives of others?

🔶 G. “Your Life According to Your WHY” – When life is run by purpose

If your life is run according to your clear “WHY” – i.e. your mission, belief, or core purpose – then you get not only success but also satisfaction, stability and long-term relevance.

🔑 Benefits of living with a WHY:

• Your work seems meaningful

• You easily avoid distractions

• Your focus becomes clear

• You remain motivated even in difficult situations

• And most important – you inspire people around you

🏢 Business Example: Disney

Walt Disney created different things in his company – animated films, theme parks, streaming platforms, merchandise, etc. But his “WHY” never changed – “To bring happiness and magical experiences to children and families.”

No matter what the product is (WHAT), no matter how it is made (HOW), the purpose remains the same – to touch people’s hearts. This is why Disney has become relevant in every generation.

🎓 Education Example: If you are running a college…

It is possible that your subjects, teachers, or infrastructure may change with time. But if your WHY is clear –

“To empower students with knowledge, confidence, and character”. And you are aligning every decision with that purpose, Then your institution will not just be running – It will be growing, inspiring, and influencing.

🔄 Meaning of Alignment with Why:

The thing to think about is – “Is your daily work connected to your WHY?”

If not, then either change the work, or the purpose of doing the work, or the way of doing it.

“Products can change, situations can change – but if your WHY is strong, you will always be relevant and inspiring.” Clarity in life comes only when we start living with WHY – then there is a connection in the work, and with success comes peace.

WHY is not just a direction, it is an evolving mission.

🔶 H. Conclusion: Journey from inside to outside

Instead of living life outside-in (only appearance and routine), It is time to live inside-out (with beliefs and purpose).

🔔 Take a decision from today:

• Don’t just do work, work with thought and purpose

• Don’t just focus on “what to do”, also understand “why to do”

• Guide your students, your team, your brand, and your family on the basis of WHY

“When your WHY is strong, then every HOW becomes easy – and your WHAT becomes impactful.”

🧭 Create your Golden Circle today:

🔵 WHY:

What do I believe? Why do I do this work? What is my real purpose?

🟠 HOW:

How do I work? How do I implement my values, principles, and methods?

🟡 WHAT:

What do I do? What are my services, products, or profession?

📣 Call to Action: Find your WHY today and share it!

What is your belief behind why you work?

What is your real mission?

What is your WHY?

🎤 Make sure to tell us!

📝 Write in the comments

📸 Or post your WHY on Instagram and tag:

👉 #MyWhyWithDrAshish

Your WHY can be an inspiration for someone else!. Let’s build a purpose-driven community together 💫

You can also follow my other channels for educational and motivational content.

Dr. Ashish Pathak Online

Edumentor Ashish