Ask better of myself is a series of mini essays that unpack how leaders can ask better questions of themselves. Questions that unlock. Reframe. Provoke. And interrupt entrenched thinking—so they can be better present to themselves and better for those around them. Enjoy.

1. Why must I do this work? 

Personal branding-type gurus often prompt us to ask ourselves the almost unanswerable question: what is my purpose?

Vague, existential, it’s a dread-filled, dreadful question—I’ve always thought. It’s one that tends to quieten and puzzle the mind.

Or else, it prompts an hour of circular rambling, burning through the sticky notes.

Instead, I like to have folks ask themselves: “why must I do this work?” It still gets to a person’s purpose, but it uses the back door. Encased within this question is an imperative. It whispers to us, what might happen if I quit…if I ceased to do it?

What would I miss most or how would I feel if I simply stopped?

It infers, who else would, or could, pick up the baton and do my work, as well as me? It sparks concrete thinking. 

So, instead of struggling with: what is my purpose? Ask instead, why must I do this work? See where it leads you and what it stirs up. You might be surprised.

- Jonathan

ps. Where’s your leadership journey at? I work with mission-driven leaders who seek breakthrough insights and want to create bold plans for themselves. How can I help you? Drop me an email and let’s talk.