"Follow Your Passion" Is Terrible Career Advice (At First)
Do you ever feel stuck—like you’re putting in all this effort but not actually getting anywhere? It’s a frustrating feeling, like running on a treadmill when you’re desperate to move forward. For most people, this happens because they’re either chasing the wrong goals or, worse, no goals at all. And the root of the problem? They haven’t figured out their “why.”
Your “why” is the driving force behind everything you do. Without it, you risk burnout, wasted time, and a deep sense of unfulfillment. Let’s explore why your “why” matters, the hidden costs of ignoring it, and how Simon Sinek’s Start with Why can transform the way you approach your career and life.
What Happens When You Don’t Know Your Why
Not knowing your “why” doesn’t just leave you feeling unmotivated—it comes with real costs:
Burnout: You work hard but feel no sense of fulfillment.
Wasted Time: You chase goals that don’t align with what truly matters to you.
Missed Opportunities: Without clarity, it’s hard to recognize the right paths when they appear.
Stalled Growth: You can only push yourself so far without a deeper purpose driving you.
As Simon Sinek explains in Start with Why:
“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.”
This hit me hard the first time I heard it. I realized I’d spent years climbing the wrong ladder, only to find it leaning against the wrong wall.
Why Your Why Matters
Simon Sinek’s Start with Why introduces a powerful concept: the Golden Circle. At its core are three layers:
What: What you do (your job, product, or service).
How: How you do it (your methods or processes).
Why: The purpose, cause, or belief driving it all.
Most people start with “what” and “how,” ignoring the “why.” But as Sinek explains, your “why” is the key to inspiration and success. It’s what separates the average from the extraordinary.
Take Apple, for example. Their “why” isn’t just about selling computers—it’s about challenging the status quo and thinking differently. That’s why their products resonate so deeply with people.
I’ve seen this play out in my own life. For years, I focused on the “what”—making money, climbing the corporate ladder—without questioning my “why.” When I finally started digging deeper, I realized my purpose was about helping others grow and reach their potential. It completely changed the way I approach work and life.
As Sinek says:
“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.”
How to Find Your Why
If you’re feeling lost, here’s the good news: finding your “why” isn’t as hard as you think. It just takes a little introspection.
Step 1: Look Back
Reflect on pivotal moments in your life. What experiences made you feel alive, inspired, or fulfilled?
For me, one of those moments was helping a friend navigate a tough career decision. I realized I loved empowering others to succeed.
Step 2: Identify Your Core Values
Write down what matters most to you. Is it creativity? Freedom? Making an impact? These values are clues to your “why.”
Step 3: Connect the Dots
Ask yourself how your values align with your daily work and long-term goals. This is where your “why” starts to take shape.
If you’re still unsure, ask trusted friends or family members for their perspective. Sometimes, others can spot patterns in our lives that we overlook.
Applying Your Why to Real Life
Knowing your “why” isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a practical tool that can transform your career and personal life.
Imagine your “why” is helping others grow. This could lead to a career as a teacher, coach, or content creator. The specifics don’t matter as much as the alignment between your actions and your purpose.
When you align with your “why,” amazing things start to happen:
Work feels less like a grind.
Opportunities seem to find you.
You wake up genuinely excited for the day ahead.
The Bottom Line
Not knowing your “why” costs you time, energy, and fulfillment. But finding it? That changes everything. It gives your life direction, makes work meaningful, and helps you make better decisions.
Take some time to reflect on your purpose, and don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. The rewards are worth it.
If this resonated with you, check out my blog on why you’re wasting time on the wrong career goals—and start building a life driven by purpose today.