Why Do You Do What You Do?
Find purpose in everything that you do by thinking about how you structure your day!
Ask yourself - “Why do I do what I do?”
In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in routines, tasks, and priorities (yours or someone else’s) without pausing to reflect on what truly drives us. But understanding your purpose and recognizing what is truly valuable in your life can be the foundation for fulfillment and happiness.
Today, we’re gonna to dive into this idea and explore how we can determine what’s most important, and how habits and routines can help us create more time to focus on those things.
The Importance of Knowing Your Purpose
Purpose is the guiding star that gives direction to our lives. When you’re clear on your purpose, you have a compass that helps you make decisions, prioritize your time, and stay motivated even when challenges pop up. Without it, life can feel like a series of scattered activities and meaningless tasks.
Why do I do the things that I do? Where do I really want to spend my time? I realized that my purpose revolves around helping others—my family, friends, and other busy dog moms—build lives that are balanced, focused, and filled with what truly matters!
This clarity has shaped my decisions, from how I spend my time to the types of projects I take on. It’s not just about doing more; it’s about doing what aligns with what I really care about.
Thought Exercise: Determining What’s Truly Important
So, how do you figure out what’s truly important in your life? It starts with reflection. Take a few minutes to ponder these questions:
What are the things that bring you the most joy?
What are your non-negotiables in life?
If time and money were no object, what would you spend your days doing?
Write down your thoughts, and don’t overthink it—just let your answers flow. Once you have a list, narrow it down to your top three values. These are the things that matter most to you, the aspects of your life that should guide your decisions and actions.
For example, if spending quality time with family is a top value, consider how much of your day is currently devoted to that. If personal growth or building a meaningful career is a priority, are you taking steps each day to move in that direction? This exercise is about aligning your daily life with your deepest values.
The Role of Habits and Routines
We’ve talked a lot about habits and routines in previous newsletters, and now is the perfect time to revisit their importance. Habits and routines are not just about getting things done; they’re about making time for what truly matters. By establishing routines that reflect your values, you can ensure that you’re consistently focusing on what’s important, rather than getting swept away by the less meaningful demands of the day.
For example, one habit I’ve adopted is setting aside time every evening for reflection and planning. I call it the Three G’s. This routine helps me stay grounded and ensures that I’m ending my day with intention, focusing on tasks that align with my purpose rather than just reacting to whatever comes my way. Whether it’s a morning walk with Graham or an hour of focused work on a passion project, these routines help me make the most of my time.
Here are a few others I like to go back to…
The Anti To-Do List - The to-do list, but for the things that you want to and need to avoid!
Good Routine, Great Habits - Building great habits starts with honing in on your routine.
What’s in your Confidence Backlog? - We are all capable of accomplishing great things, but most of us aren’t willing to try.
The Anatomy of a Habit - A simple and effective way to design great habits with purpose!
Knowing your purpose and aligning your daily actions with your values is the key to living a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling. It’s about more than just getting through the day—it’s about making each day count.
I encourage you to take the time to reflect on your purpose and consider how your current habits and routines support—or detract from—what you value most. Small changes can make a big difference, and by focusing on what truly matters, you can create a life that’s not just busy, but purposeful and fulfilling.
Closing Thought
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." – Maya Angelou
Remember, a life aligned with your values is a life well-lived. Take the time to reflect, adjust your habits, and focus on what’s truly important to you.