<div class="text-justify">

<center>![P3210010~2.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/galenkp/EpJWiBMv4ywzQUfHPHjvLQ6qJMevVNyfKqNM6CHGcqSBYDk9h6vnLbzh3BZLAa9FJpU.jpg)</center>

<center>*Discipline equals freedom.*</center>

<center>**- Jocko Willink -**</center>

***
***
For most of my adult life I've had direction, known where I wanted to go, what I wanted to achieve and what focus I needed to step forward towards the objectives I'd set, or had set for me. With ownership, responsibility, discipline and action I've been able to do what's required, sometimes incredibly difficult things, to attain those goals.

Focus, persistence, accountability, perseverance, discipline, consistency, resilience, fortitude, courage and a myriad of other personality traits have combined to gain those results. Well up that list has been the ability to *stand* when it would be easier to fall. It's partly sheer dogged determination peppered with a little stubbornness and simple need; the need to achieve a thing. 

I've mostly managed to find and apply these elements without trouble, and win, lose or draw I've taken responsibility for myself and my outcomes. Mindset and attitude have largely been responsible for that. But what happens when I'm in the wrong headspace, when attitude flags and the right mindset is elusive?

I was thinking about this last night after coming to the understanding that someone close to me is struggling to stand, to find those elements I mention above. 

I'll not write about that individual today, but wanted to share a thing that has helped me stand when it was easier to fall, find the ownership of self to find and display courage and to find belief in myself. It's a simple thing, almost laughable in its simplicity in fact. 

#### The compelling *why*

I'm often asked how I've managed to achieve certain things, overcome, adapt, pivot and move forward to resolutions, objectives and desired results. It's a good question. I don't have a complicated answer for it though, and my answer isn't a *cure-all* for others as it's specific to me. But it's a simple concept that revolves around the very simple three letter word of, *why*. 

Asking, then answering, that question to myself has enabled me to trigger the correct or required responses and reactions and that's what allows me to stand, take the first step towards the second step and, after enough steps, results come...or failures which I evaluate, strategise and plan around, then begin over...with another step.

Knowing why I want or need to achieve a thing, if compelling enough, will cause me to do what's required to affect it. That's the premise anyway.
***

Knowing your *why*, having a compelling reason to act, will more easily allow a person to act in the manner conducive to success. Many humans have achieved amazing results and, despite some being more intelligent or skilled in particular areas than others, we're all humans and all have the ability to determine if the reason to achieve a goal or objective is compelling enough to cause the attitudes and actions to occur to gain the result.
***

Have you struggled to stand? Have you felt inclined to stay down because it's easier than getting up and taking action? Has fear frozen you on the spot? Has courage failed you? 

We have all experienced these things, myself included. 

Conversely, have you ever had a compelling reason that brought you the ability to find and apply the required elements allowing you to shoot straight at the goal or task? I have, as have others. It's the compelling *why-motivation* that permits ordinary people like you and I to take aim, act and achieve extraordinary things. 

Tell me, what extraordinary things have you done, *and why?*

</div>

***
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - *Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind*

<sub><sub>Any images in this post are my own</sub></sub>