Have We Lost Our “Why?”
The quest to understand our personal “why” is akin to navigating a dense, fog-laden forest without a compass. It’s not just challenging; it’s a journey fraught with existential potholes and societal quicksand. So, why do so many of us struggle to grasp our core driving force, our raison d’être? It boils down to a cocktail of distractions, fear, and a profound misunderstanding of what success truly means.
We’re living in an era of unprecedented distraction. The digital age, for all its marvels, has us hooked on a dopamine IV drip of likes, swipes, and ephemeral content. We’re more connected than ever, yet paradoxically, we’re adrift in a sea of superficial engagements that cloud our introspection. The constant noise drowns out the quiet voice within us that’s trying to articulate our “why.” It’s like trying to tune into a delicate symphony while standing in the middle of Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
Fear plays a colossal role. Diving deep into the essence of who we are and what we want can unearth truths that aren’t just uncomfortable; they’re downright terrifying. It’s easier to float on the surface, tethered to societal benchmarks of success — money, titles, the veneer of happiness — than to plunge into the depths where our genuine desires and fears reside. This fear isn’t just about what we might find; it’s also about the potential for change that such discoveries could demand. It’s the fear of realizing that our ladder is leaning against the wrong wall, and the daunting prospect of starting anew.
Moreover, society’s skewed portrayal of success is a massive roadblock. We’re spoon-fed a narrative that equates success with external achievements and material wealth. This relentless bombardment of curated success stories on social media and in popular culture sets a monolithic standard of what life should look like. It’s a mirage of happiness that obscures our view of what genuinely fulfills us. The result? A widespread existential malaise, where people chase after goals that don’t align with their inner truths, leaving them feeling empty and disconnected from their “why.”
But here’s the kicker: understanding your “why” is an act of rebellion in today’s world. It requires the courage to turn off the external noise, confront the fear of what you might discover, and redefine success on your own terms. It’s about realizing that true success isn’t about climbing a predetermined ladder faster than others; it’s about ensuring your ladder is leaning against the right wall for you.
In essence, the journey to understanding our “why” is hindered by the seductive allure of distractions, the paralyzing grip of fear, and a deeply entrenched, narrow definition of success. To navigate this journey requires a radical shift in focus — from the external to the internal, from what the world expects of us to what we truly want for ourselves. It’s a voyage worth undertaking because, at its end, lies not just the clarity of purpose but the liberation of living a life that’s authentically and unapologetically your own.
Brian Fink is the author of Talk Tech To Me. He takes on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplifies them for the modern recruiter. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of technical recruiting with a unique perspective — a perspective intended to help you find, engage, and partner with professionals.
