Why Is The Why Important?

Do you recognize the name Samuel Pierpont Langley? I am sure some of you do, but most people have never heard his name mentioned. Yet, if you lived at the beginning of the 20th century, his name would have been one you would quickly identify. Unfortunately for Langley, it was his “Why?” that is most likely responsible for his anonymity. The ideas in this post come largely from a TED talk by Simon Sinek in 2009.

Langley’s Story

In the early 1900’s, Langley was the favorite among newswriters and others in the race to figure out controlled, powered, manned flight. Pierpont was funded with a $50,000 grant from the U.S. War Department. He had hired the best minds money could buy and he had any needed resources at his disposal. The only problem with his situation was that his “Why?” – his motivation – was simply wealth and fame.

Reporters followed him around wherever he went and everyone knew he would be the first to figure out the flying machine. He was almost a shoo-in!

Wright Brothers

“Almost” is the key word. That is because Orville and Wilbur Wright were in a much different situation. The Wright brothers owned and operated a bicycle shop in Dayton, OH. They had very little money to speak of. Their team did not have a single college graduate on it. They were not followed around by ANY reporters.

A Different Why?

In fact, no one even really knew they were in the race at all. That is no one except them. See, they had a very different “Why?” that motivated them. They wanted to change the world. They had a much deeper, gut-level motivation that gave them a significant advantage over Langley.

It was this motivation that drove them to take five sets of crash parts every time they went out to test their machine. This was because they would generally crash this many times before they would come in for dinner. They ran into many obstacles and challenges. They did not give up because they were operating out of a deeper “Why?” than Langley.

Changed The World

As a result, on December 17, 1903 on a beach in North Carolina, they made history. They did what they set out to do – they changed the world. I cannot imagine the emotion and elation they felt when they finally made it work. I would love to have been a part of that team!

Langley’s Response?

So, what did Samuel Pierpont Langley do when the announcement was made that he had lost the race? Did he take what the Wright brothers had done and look to improve on it? Did he look for opportunities to build on their success?

No, he did not.

Instead, he quit. He simply walked away because his “Why?” had evaporated. When he saw the fame bestowed on someone else, he gave up.

Application to Christian Business?

So…what in the world does this have to do with Christian business? Well, I think there are clear parallels.

Christian business is difficult.

It comes with additional pitfalls that other businesses do not face. There is a significant anti-audience opposing you when you step out onto the field and choose this side of the battle. The rewards are often delayed and tough to measure while we are here. Quite simply, it is much like the picture the Wright brothers faced.

The Wrong Why?

As a result, if you do not have a strong, internal will to run the race based on these terms, then you are much more likely to fade with the heat. If you like the idea of running a Christian business because you want to be honored at the city gates or celebrated for your strong principles, then I suggest you go back to the drawing board.

This race is not for the faint of heart. It will most likely not bring you fame and it will certainly not end up as you planned. You may think you have it all planned out, but if you are truly seeking God’s wisdom and guidance, then you can shred your plan. I guarantee He will change it. You can bet on that!

The Right Why?

On the other hand, if your “Why?” is solidly grounded in Scripture and resides in your core, then you have a fighting chance at success. Of course, this success is also going to look different than you think.

If you simply seek to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant…,” then you should be fine. Let this “Why?” really sink into your soul. Meditate on it and pray for wisdom about it. God will show you how to go, based on the unique way that He designed you.

Then, take that “Why?” and go change the world.

What About Your Business Why?

If you are interested in following my process to create your own mission, vision, and core values, then check out my new ebook – Why Does Your Business Exist?

Click Here For Ebook!

Have you ever given serious thought to the “Why?” that drives you?

If so, tell me about it. What keeps you going?

If not, are you ready to start?

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