There are only three possible reasons we do anything.
We're motivated by a feeling of lack, fear, anxiety or discomfort and we believe that by doing this or that, we're going to free ourselves from that feeling of discomfort. The more painful the feeling the more intense the motive.
We're doing it mechanically, without thought or awareness... unconsciously -- I wouldn't even classify this as a real motive, I mention it only because it forms such a large part of why we do the things we do, unfortunately.
We're doing because we're interested, it intrigues and it's fun. The deeper the intrigue, the greater the motive.
But genuine interest is difficult to sustain, especially when things go pear shaped, we meet sustained resistance and/or difficulty, ridicule or the prospect of failure.
An intentionally develop, sophisticated, coherent, aligned personal [and business] philosophy is that tool which fosters and promotes sustained interest. It's our story of why we're here, what we are supposed to do, how we are supposed to do it, and most importantly, why it's important and relevant [why anyone should care, even ourselves].
Philosophy is generally taken to be some abstract theoretical argument divorced from the vicissitudes of living. And this is tragic, since we inadvertently abandon our most effective tool in dissolving the inevitable anxiety which arises when we try to do anything of significance. And it keeps the interest alive, pure and focussed.
A personal philosophy is the story we live -- values and principals included. It guides and fuels our actions and participation, and forms the backbone of our personal and business identity. And without identity, no matter how much energy we may have, we have no focus, and we get no traction.
Impactful people making a difference, no matter what they may say, always have a very clear and compelling personal philosophy.
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