The Importance of “WHY”
Grounding in our own personal "why" is the foundation of everything we do. If we cannot connect with the reason we get out of bed each day, we cannot fully grasp Bella’s "why."
Discovering your "why" is not a new concept. Influential figures like Viktor Frankl, Simon Sinek, and Mother Teresa, as well as Scripture, have explored this deeply. A UK study found that 89% of people feel life has no purpose. This staggering statistic highlights the importance of helping individuals find meaning in their lives.
Psychological Perspective
Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist in the 1940s, provides a profound psychological perspective on purpose. By the age of 37, he had treated thousands of patients, only to find himself on a train bound for a concentration camp in Nazi Germany. During World War II, Frankl endured the loss of his mother, father, brother, and wife in the camps, witnessing horrific suffering. Despite unimaginable hardships, Frankl used his experiences to better understand human resilience and the search for meaning in life. Ultimately, he concluded that if individuals have a strong "why", they can endure almost any "how."
Biologic Perspective:
From a biological standpoint, the human body and brain respond significantly to having a sense of purpose. Dopamine release, associated with purpose-driven goals, motivates individuals to pursue their “why.” Lower stress levels and reduced inflammation are observed in individuals with a strong sense of purpose. Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone,” plays a critical role in understanding our “why.” Released in response to social bonding, trust, and cooperation, oxytocin levels rise when individuals experience a sense of belonging and shared purpose, fostering trust, cooperation, and collaboration. This biological process reinforces the innate human desire for social connection and the mutual agreement of “why.”
Secular vs Faith Perspective
Simon Sinek’s popular TED talk, Start With Why, has received over 58 million views, underscoring the transformative power of purpose-driven living. Understanding our "why" provides clarity, motivation, and resilience. Mother Teresa’s life exemplifies faithful devotion to God’s calling. Rooted in deep faith, she served the poorest of the poor, driven by her "why"—to love and serve God. Scripture emphasizes the importance of loving God and neighbors, aligning with one's purpose. It also encourages living "as if you were going to live a second time," highlighting the urgency of purposeful and faithful living. As creations of God, we are called to seek truth, happiness, and eternal communion with Him. The human heart will continue searching until it finds fulfillment in God.
The pursuit of understanding our "why" leads us to recognize that our ultimate purpose is to personally know God and make Him known. Why do you get out of bed each day? By aligning our personal "why" with God’s greater plan, we discover fulfillment and significance in serving others with unwavering devotion and purpose.
What is your why?
Reflection and personal activity:
Do you remember when you decided to go into medicine, buidsness, leadership or non-profit work?
Think for a second. What was it?
There are a few moments that pushed me into medicine but one in particular was when I was 16 and got to see a baby be born. It wasn’t actually the first time that I had seen a birth, but it was a profound time. Maybe because I was mature enough to reflect on it or maybe it was because the Lord let me see with new eyes. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in awe as the baby came into the world. Amazed at what the woman’s body could do. I was amazed by the doctors and nurses working with the woman to empower her. But I was truly astonished at how we could stand on one side, and God could be on the other, and we could be touching Him as He touched us from the other side through this life that He was entrusting to us. In my 16-year-old brain I felt like there were angels dancing all around the room. The moment was grace filled. And I recognized then that we were walking on holy ground. And I wanted in.
I bet if we really reflect on it, we have all had those moments. Moments, when we welcome a baby into the world, cared for the sick, the elderly, the dying- moments that we found ourselves on holy ground.
In scripture God instructs Moses to build a tabernacle (a sanctuary) so that He may dwell among the Israelites. Exodus 25:8 says "Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them." God desires to be present with His people in a holy place that is a unique space for divine encounters. What if the healthcare clinic was that sanctuary, that tabernacle?
In this light, every hospital and healthcare clinic and buisness are not merely a work but instead a place for a divine encounter. A place for grace. A store front for the sanctuary.
This is where my “why” started.
“Why” at work
As leaders, one of the most powerful tools we can use to inspire and engage our team is starting with why. By clearly explaining the purpose behind tasks, decisions, or new concepts, we provide our team with a deeper understanding of how their work contributes to the greater mission. When people understand the "why," they are more likely to feel motivated, connected to the goal, and committed to the work ahead. It gives their efforts meaning beyond just completing tasks, helping them see how their contributions align with the values of the organization and our mission to serve others.
Start with “why”
Starting with why also fosters trust and buy-in. When team members understand the reasoning behind a decision, they feel included in the process and are more likely to embrace it, even if it requires change or adjustment. By consistently communicating the why, leaders empower their team to not only perform with purpose but also to think critically and act with a shared vision in mind. This approach strengthens collaboration, aligns everyone toward common goals, and ultimately leads to a more engaged and effective team.