Unlocking Your True Motivations: The 7 Levels of Why
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Chapter 1: Understanding the 7 Levels of Why
Have you ever wondered what truly drives your actions? Understanding the reasons behind your choices can lead to deeper motivation and fulfillment.
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Section 1.1: The Importance of Curiosity
I recently listened to a summary of Dean Graziosi's book, "Millionaire Success Habits," which discusses the concept of the seven whys. This method can help you uncover what motivates you at a fundamental level. As I reflected on this, I thought of my two-year-old daughter, Skylar, whose relentless curiosity exemplifies this concept. Like many toddlers, she constantly asks "Why?" in response to every explanation, diving deeper into the reasons behind our statements.
For instance, when we mention someone is coming over, she immediately follows up with a series of "whys":
- "Why?"
- "Because they want to see us."
- "Why?"
- "Because they are our friends."
- "Why?"
- "Because we like each other."
This exchange can go on for quite some time until either she gets distracted or I turn the question back on her, prompting her to lose interest. It makes me wonder if we stop asking these questions not because we lack answers, but perhaps because we hesitate to explore the more profound implications of our inquiries.
According to Graziosi, by the time you reach the fourth question, you are tapping into your heartfelt responses, which is where the most significant insights reside. In this narrative, I'll explore my own seven whys, and I encourage you to undertake a similar exploration to unearth your true motivations.
Section 1.2: My First Why – The Pursuit of Financial Independence
The first question I tackled was: Why do I seek additional sources of income? This inquiry is relevant to any area of life.
My straightforward answer is that I aspire to create alternative income streams to prevent total reliance on an employer for my financial stability.
Subsection 1.2.1: Questioning Dependence on Employment
The next inquiry was: Why don’t I want to depend solely on my employer? For those familiar with my journey, moving to the United States was a long-held dream that became reality in 2013. However, my stay was contingent upon my employer's willingness to keep me, compounded by the constraints of my H1B visa. Over my six years there, I faced multiple visa renewals, each time feeling helpless as my future rested in someone else's hands. The fear of returning to India unwillingly loomed over me, as I internalized a belief that such a scenario would equate to failure.
The first video, "7 Levels Deep - To Success - Dean Graziosi," delves into the importance of understanding your motivations. It reinforces the value of exploring your whys in the pursuit of success.
Subsection 1.2.2: The Fear of Returning Home
Next, I pondered: Why could I not go back to India? India is a beautiful country, and I was born there, but growing up, I was influenced by American sitcoms and comics that painted an idyllic picture of life in the West. Many people told me that those who moved to the U.S. rarely returned, planting a seed of fear that returning would signify failure. I had worked hard to achieve my current status, and I didn't want to be perceived as a failure.
Section 1.3: The Emotional Weight of Failure
Asking, "Why am I afraid of being labeled a failure?" led me to a more profound level of introspection.
This question reminds me of a painful memory from my birthday in 2006. That year, I received my engineering exam results, revealing I had failed five out of eight subjects. Picture the moment: I walk back to my hostel, receive a birthday call from my parents, and instead of celebrating, I must share my disappointing news. Their concern was evident; they knew I was miles away, and I could feel their disappointment, which hurt more than the failure itself.
The second video, "Identifying Your Why with the 7 Levels Deep Tool," provides practical insights on how to navigate your motivations and fears, encouraging viewers to explore their deeper motivations.
Section 1.4: The Burden of Expectations
Continuing my self-inquiry, I asked: Why did I not want to disappoint my parents?
Growing up in a middle-class family in New Delhi, my parents worked hard to provide for us. My father's rags-to-riches story shaped my perspective on success. He sacrificed much to ensure we received a good education, and I felt a deep obligation to honor those sacrifices. Failing to meet those expectations felt like squandering the opportunities they worked so hard to provide.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Journey of Self-Discovery
In reflecting on my motivations, I've realized that understanding your whys can lead to clarity and purpose. Your experiences may differ from mine, but embarking on this journey can unveil insights you may have overlooked.
As you delve into your whys, take note of when you experience those moments of revelation. Whether you reach your seventh why or find clarity earlier, this exploration can be transformative.
The 7 Levels of Why can be applied to all aspects of your life, and once you identify your motivations, the path forward becomes clearer. I encourage you to explore your whys and share your insights in the comments.
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