“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"
"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to."
"I don't much care where –"
"Then it doesn't matter which way you go.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
How about trying a new path? You might reach a new destination! And if the above quote speaks to you, please keep reading.
THE BOOK
Start With Why is a very positive and innovative book written by Simon Sinek that appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list. The popularity of the book stems from Sinek placing the question ‘why’ at the center of the thought process to help explain why are some people and organizations more innovative, more influential, and more profitable than others.
This amazing book can inspire you to new ways of thinking. Using examples from the Wright brothers to Steve Jobs, it is a pleasant read, full of fascinating facts and insightful ideas.
THE SOUL OF AN IDEA
Start With Why can be used to create and/or inspire. It is a process that begins with the meaning – or the soul - of an idea. The book provides ways to conceptualize and dream before facing - and breaking - the barriers that hinder us.
It is not a way to push people into changing their values or point of views: it is a way for you to bring out and understand your own motivations. For example, Sinek explains that money is not a bad thing, and should be seen as a fuel. The desire for money is not, therefore, a bad motivation. But it is not a final result nor a real objective, because the main purpose of money is to access a need.
THE PASSION
Access to some of his work can be found on Sinek’s website. His vision is infectious because of its positivity and passion. A beautiful quote is “working hard for something we don’t care about is stress, working hard for something we love is passion”.
Our work culture is slowly evolving away from its very competitive standards. The famous “no pain, no gain” approach, or the infamous Gordon Geko from the movie 'Wall Street' is slowly becoming outdated. Sinek is helping to open new paths for the future.
