By “Expect the Exceptional”

Why do you get out of bed in the morning?  Is it to make money for yourself and/or your family?  Is it to take care of your children?  Is it because you love your job and can’t wait to get to work?

Whatever reason you have, it’s important to keep in mind that this “why” can drive your day, week and even your life.

“Your Why provides you with clarity, meaning and direction. It is a filter through which you can make decisions, every day, to bring your cause to life.”

-Simon Sinek

Personally, I have chosen to stay home with my children because I feel that is where I can be of most use, and it is where I will be the happiest me I can be.  This direction is not for everyone; some feel they are better suited conquering the corporate world, or providing the world with delicious pastries.  Everyone has a different why, the point is to find out what that is for you and to remind yourself of this throughout the day in order to stay on the right path.

Recently, my little guys have been a little challenging.  The oldest is three going on 13, with an attitude and brains beyond his short years.  He tests my patience by the hour, and to add to that, my youngest is 16 months and teething like crazy.  There are certainly moments where I wonder what the heck I was thinking staying home!!  In those moments, it is important that I think about my why.  The reason why I decided to stay home was because I cannot stand the thought of missing important moments; I cannot stand the thought of someone else having to deal with these behaviors because they definitely will not be as patient as I am!  I know that this is the best place for me because it is what I have always dreamed of doing and I never dread “going to work.”  Most importantly, I NEED to be able to give them hugs and kisses anytime I see fit.  So, when I begin to question this decision, I remember this why and get myself back on track by squeezing and smooching to my heart’s content.

Obviously, not every work problem can be solved with hugs and kisses; in fact, unless you work with your family I would strongly suggest you do not attempt to solve problems in this way.  However, it can be helpful to remember why you are doing what you are doing from time to time.  The same can be said for businesses as a whole, as opposed to just the individuals within them.  As time goes by, it is easy for a business to get into a rut, doing the same thing every day just because it’s what you did yesterday.  Remembering your why can help guide your business to where you want it to be.

Royal Services has paid special attention to their whyrecently; in fact, they developed a why statement specifically for this purpose.  This statement is a great way to bring all departments together and remind everyone of their common goal; in this case,

“To provide our customers with superior project management, innovative programs, and a single point of accountability for facility solutions so that Royal, our clients, and our vendors can all thrive.”

Does your business have a why statement? Do you?  If not, come up with one!  Or at the very least, take some time out of your day to remember why you are doing what you are doing; remembering your purpose may help give your days more meaning.