Our why is born from our past experiences Meaning Factcheck Usage

Context

In the book, this isn’t just a passing thought. It’s the core premise of a whole process. They lay out specific exercises—often done in a team setting—where you literally mine your past for stories and patterns. The quote is the “aha” moment that justifies the sometimes uncomfortable work of looking backward to find a clear path forward.

Usage Examples

I use this all the time. Here’s how:

• For a team leader: When your team is struggling with alignment, don’t just talk about goals. Have everyone share a story of a time they felt incredibly proud of their work. You’ll start to see the team’s collective “Why” emerge from those shared experiences.
• For someone feeling stuck: If you’re feeling lost in your career, stop asking “What should I do next?” and start asking “What moments in my past work have truly energized me?” Your past holds the clues you’re looking for.
• For personal branding: Your bio or “About Me” page shouldn’t just be a list of jobs. It should be a narrative that connects your past experiences to the mission that now drives you. That’s how you attract the right people.

To whom it appeals?

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FAQ

Question: What if my past experiences are mostly negative?

Answer: That’s a great question, and it’s more common than you think. Your “Why” can be forged in the fire of adversity just as powerfully as in success. A “Why” can be born from a desire to fix a problem you experienced, to protect others from a hardship you faced, or to create something you never had. The key is the meaning you derive from it.

Question: Can a company have a “Why” in the same way?

Answer: Absolutely. A company’s “Why” is born from the founder’s original experiences and beliefs. It’s the reason the company was started in the first place, beyond making money. The trick is keeping that foundation alive as the company grows, which is why this work is so critical for leadership teams.

Question: Is your “Why” fixed for life?

Answer: It’s stable, but not necessarily static. Think of it like the foundation of a house. You build upon it, you might renovate a room or two, but you rarely rip out the entire foundation. As you have new, profound experiences, your understanding of your “Why” can deepen and become more refined, but the core essence tends to remain constant.