Ask Yourself, "Why Not"

Why?
Asking "why" is the beginning of creative thought. Thought that fuels. Thought that inspires. Thought that engages persistent effort and commitment.

Why not?
Asking "why not" oftentimes leads to innovation; new ways of thought and new ideas that promote change.
- paraphrased from Breakthrough Thinking: Brainstorming for Inspiration and Ideas
Book by Nick Souter

Only in nature does greatness just 'show up'. For greatness to "be where you are" in life, we must recognize the inherent responsibility we have in being accountable.

Greatness must be in process long before it defines outcome. For that to occur, we first must understand the reason for our commitment to anything. Moreover, it's important to recognize that there is a direct correlation between intention and determination. The origin of one (intention) multiplies the impact of the other (determination). Greatness is truly available to those who call upon it, but only in direct proportion to the effort one is willing to exert in the process. As we begin to understand "why", we catch a glimpse at "what" is possible! "Why" will uncover intention and thereby guide effort. Purpose and passion begin to emerge and new opportunities present themselves. Without knowing "why", effort is simply a distraction away from purpose.

Greatness manifests only when effort and desire settle upon the heart of one who is willing to answer the call. Effort is a catalyst. Effort is the only difference between those who succeed and those who fall short - the difference between average and great! So, why not...? Why not expect greatness? Why not, as Nick Souter suggests, elicits innovation? Average is the answer for those who cannot answer "why". Average is the boring bi-product of comfort. Comfort breeds ordinary. Comfort creates stagnation. If greatness is the goal, we must begin to ask ourselves "why not". Why not expect a better outcome? Why not be open to new ideas? Why not try a different way of doing something? Why not push through and keep trying? Why not focus on "what you want" rather than "what's getting in the way of what you want"? If we continue to do what we've always done, we may continue to get what we always got. In the process of asking ourselves "why not", we begin to learn that the question is more about "why not me"? As we bring change into focus, we change our effort (process) - GREAT changes (as greatness must be in process long before it defines outcome) everything. Effort reflects determination just as powerfully as intention fuels drive.

Peter Drucker, "ask yourself, What should my contribution be?"

Disrupting Average

There cannot be compromise. Effort is the only thing that will perpetuate success. In the process, power and influence will offer their favor to those committed to shaping excellence! Unlike anything else, power & influence will disrupt "average" to create extraordinary. When exercised from a place of good intentions - where values and integrity are not compromised and there's a genuine desire to make something better - extraordinary will make it's mark, defining greatness. In the process, one may find it likely to be creating the best version of one's self; a self that is both distinct and unique, taking on the very qualities that define the outcome. Great moments are born from people who maintain a higher expectation and command more than average effort. They command thoughts and actions toward something better - believing that something better is possible...that something meaningful is within reach!
Claim the moment; be absolutely committed to demonstrating your best and striving for something higher! Persistence will give rise to opportunity; opportunity will foster effort; effort will produce meaningful outcomes. It's within reach and many times, it's one step beyond the point where failure seemed imminent. There's a story waiting to be written! A story that average will never tell.