Remembering Your "Why": The Untapped Potential in Your Present
It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, the deadlines, the constant push for "more." We strive for growth, for that next rung on the ladder, often without pausing to reflect on why we started climbing in the first place. Pressure mounts, challenges arise, and the initial spark that ignited our journey can dim, leaving us feeling stagnant even amidst apparent progress.
I recently experienced one of those rare moments of clarity, high above the clouds on a late-night flight. Looking out at the vast darkness punctuated by distant lights, the question echoed in my mind: Am I doing something I love? Why do I do what I do? How did I even get here?
This introspection led me back to 2020, the year I embarked on a career in property management. At the time, "growth" was the driving force. While the deeper meaning was still unfolding, I had a clear vision of what I desired for my life:
More Money: A desire for greater financial security and the opportunities it could unlock.
More Free Time: A yearning for a better work-life balance, time to pursue passions and connect with loved ones.
The Ability to Influence and Improve Lives: A profound desire to make a positive impact on the people around me.
I had no concrete plan, only the unwavering clarity of these three aspirations. Fast forward to that moment on the airplane in 2025, a subtle voice within asked: Do you have these things in your current position and role?
The answer was a quick and resounding yes. I had achieved the very things I had once longed for. Yet, the voice persisted: Are you using these three gifts wisely?
This time, the answer wasn't so immediate. I had been seeking a specific type of growth for months, a new challenge to add to my existing life. But it felt like hitting a wall, with no new opportunities materializing. Analyzing the question, I realized where the disconnect was: I wasn't fully maximizing one of the very gifts I had been granted – time.
A wave of responsibility washed over me. This inner voice, whether you call it God, the universe, or your intuition, rarely presents a problem without a potential solution. It spoke again: You are asking for more growth, and now you have a better understanding of what that entails. You possess more tools and experience, but are you truly prepared? It seems you aren't fully utilizing the gifts you already have. Exploit everything you have, revisit your initial "whys" with renewed intention, and you will be ready for the next step, the next season of growth.
This realization was profound. It shifted my perspective entirely, and I want to share my take from this reflection.
How often do we, in our pursuit of "more" – more money, more influence, more connections – overlook the incredible value of what we already possess? We become so focused on acquiring the next title or the bigger paycheck that we forget the very reasons that propelled us forward in the first place. We become skilled at our current roles, leading us to believe we are automatically ready for the next level.
But what if the key to unlocking that next level isn't just about acquiring more, but about fully appreciating and utilizing what we already have?
When you find yourself yearning for growth and feeling stuck, take a moment for introspection. Ask yourself:
What were my initial motivations for pursuing this path? What did I truly desire for my life?
Have I attained those initial goals in my current role?
Am I truly maximizing the potential of these "gifts"? Am I being responsible in how I utilize my time, my resources, and my ability to impact others?
Often, the roadblock to further growth isn't a lack of external opportunities but an underutilization of our present circumstances. By consciously focusing on and fully embracing the gifts we already have, by revisiting our original "whys" with intention, we create the fertile ground for future growth.
Better positions don't always equate to more meaningful growth. True growth often lies in deepening our appreciation and responsible use of the very things we once asked for. Go back to your "whys," nurture the gifts you've been given, and you'll find yourself not just ready for the next step, but truly equipped to thrive in it.