Build Your Why: The Game-Changing Secret Behind Every Successful Brand
Every successful business has something unique that sets it apart—a reason it exists beyond just making a profit. That “something” is called your WHY. It’s the driving force behind your work, the spark that pushes you forward even when things get tough. Your “why” is personal, powerful, and the foundation upon which your business is built.
Your “why” is not your mission statement. It’s more profound than that. It’s your purpose, the piece of you that was there long before your business even existed. Your “why” is rooted in your story—the challenges, the triumphs, and everything in between. It’s the reason you started your business and the legacy you aim to leave behind.
But how do you discover your why? And once you’ve uncovered it, how do you translate it into something that the world can see and feel?
Why Does Your Business Exist?
Let’s start with a simple question: why did you start your business? What makes it different from every other business out there?
Understanding your “why” is crucial for you, the business owner. It serves as your personal guidepost—something to refer to when you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed. When you know your “why”, decisions become clearer because every move you make aligns with your core purpose. It reminds you why you get out of bed every morning and work hard to make your business thrive.
Finding Your WHY: Digging into Your Story
Your “why” comes from your story—the parts that are messy, raw, and real. To get to the heart of it, start by reflecting on the biggest challenges you’ve faced, both personally and professionally. These challenges often shape who we are and why we do what we do.
Here are a few questions to guide you:
What has been the biggest personal challenge you’ve overcome in life?
What has been the biggest professional challenge?
What lessons have you learned from these experiences?
Looking back, what keeps you motivated to pursue your business every day?
What kind of impact have you always dreamed of making in the world?
This reflection is key to uncovering the deeper meaning behind your business and can even serve as a powerful "About" section for your website, helping others connect with your journey.
The Power of a WHY Statement
To really clarify your “why”, use a simple template:
TO __(action you’ll take)__ SO THAT __(impact you’ll create)__
The first blank represents your contribution—what you bring to others through your WHY. The second blank represents the impact of your contribution—how it affects the people or world around you.
Here’s how it works:
To inspire creativity in others so that they feel empowered to bring their ideas to life.
To help people believe in themselves so that they can achieve their dreams.
To live with joy and positivity so that I can bring light to everyone I meet.
Take a few moments to grab a pen and paper, and start drafting your own WHY Statement using this formula. Play around with different ideas until you land on one that resonates deeply with you.
Real-Life Examples of “Why” Statements
Need some inspiration? Here are a few examples of personal WHY Statements that are simple, actionable, and focused on making a difference:
To help people know and believe that they matter so that they can achieve their goals.
To have the freedom to purchase whatever I want so that I can always have the power of choice.
To empower and educate people so that they can improve their lives.
To make the world a more beautiful place while bringing happiness to others.
These statements don’t have to be complicated—they just need to reflect your truth and your core purpose.
Putting Your “Why” to Work
Now that you’ve drafted your “why” Statement, it’s time to put it to good use. Remember, your why isn’t just for your clients or customers; it’s primarily for you. It’s your daily motivation, the reason you continue pushing forward even when the path gets tough.
Here are some creative ways to keep your why front and center:
Create a graphic in Canva and display your “why” Statement in your workspace.
Write it on a piece of paper and place it where you’ll see it every day.
Include it in your “About” section on your website to connect with your audience.
Share it on social media to let your followers in on the deeper purpose behind your business.
The best part? Your “why” can evolve as you do. If you find that your why shifts over time, that’s okay! As you grow both personally and professionally, your why may take on new dimensions—just make sure it continues to reflect the core of what drives you.
Final Tips for Crafting a Strong why
When building out your why Statement, keep these tips in mind:
Keep it simple and clear. Your why should be easy to understand.
Make it actionable. Focus on what you’ll do to make a difference.
Highlight your contribution. How are you improving the lives of others?
Use affirmative language. Your why should feel empowering and inspiring to you.
Your WHY is evergreen, meaning it applies to all areas of your life, both personally and professionally. It’s not something that should feel separate from you as a person; it’s an extension of who you are and the mark you want to leave on the world.
Conclusion: Never Forget Your Why
Building a business is hard work, but having a strong why can keep you grounded, focused, and motivated. Whether you display it in your workspace, add it to your website, or simply remind yourself of it every morning, never forget why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Your WHY is your edge—it’s the reason people will connect with your business on a deeper level. And once you know your why, the rest will follow. So go ahead, build your why, and use it to fuel everything you do.