Find Out The Why Behind Success And Failure!

“So why did you go bankrupt?” I asked my mentor-man.
“Because I was a drunk. But really, because I was greedy. I equated power with speed. I should have done half as much twice as well.”

Note to self: Slow down, your time is coming.

“Why did you partner with her?” I asked the mega-firm CEO.
“Because every time I brought an idea to her, she made it better without losing the spirit of my reasoning. She consistently inspired me to be impeccable.”

Note to self: Partner with people who make you feel more like yourself. Seek the excellent ones.

“Why did you walk away?” I asked lonely dude at the cocktail party.
“Because I was afraid of having what I wanted. I left too soon. I regret it.”

Note to self: Self-sabotage is a bitch. Stay the course. Open up to being truly satisfied.

It’s easy to find out what people are up to. But finding out why they’re up to it is where the wisdom and innovation are waiting. My mentors’ mistakes have saved me money and heartache. Knowing the reasoning that steered people’s failures and successes not only flattens my learning curve into a smooth highway, but it shakes up my thinking—and ideas begin to surface.

Forget restraint and shelve your fear, and endeavor to really know more about the person in front of you. Analyze motivations. Dig deeper. Why did you sell? Why did you change your mind? Why that price? Why now?

Asking Why is the most simple and powerful act of connecting that you can make. There is a lesson behind everyone’s motivations that can affirm your sensibility, shatter your beliefs, or spark your next Big Thing.

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Danielle LaPorte is the creator of The Desire Map, author of The Fire Starter Sessions (Random House/Crown), and co-creator of Your Big Beautiful Book Plan. An inspirational speaker, former think tank exec and business strategist, she writes weekly at DanielleLaPorte.com, where over a million visitors have gone for her straight-up advice — a site that was named one of the “Top 100 Websites for Women” by Forbes. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter @daniellelaporte

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heather

Love your heart & brain Danielle!
http://beyouliveyourdream.blogspot.com/ Sarah Noel

Danielle,
I love this! I’ve always asked “Why,” much to the dismay and annoyance of my parents as a kid. Even now as an adult my first question is “why.” Why did you leave that job? Why did you TAKE that job? Why… Sometimes it seems that’s not always culturally acceptable, though I don’t really understand why. What’s wrong with learning from one another? And asking somoene’s motivations behind their actions? Maybe b/c people don’t KNOW why they do what they do, so they feel put on the spot. Maybe b/c they think I’m judging them, or will judge them once I hear their answer, even though I’m totally asking from a place of love and open-minded learning.

I like how you ask why though, and how you’ve learned from others. I’ve always tried to do the same, whenever possible.

I’m currently in a phase of low motivation (ok, no motivation). I’ve asked why, but I haven’t gotten an answer yet. I’ll keep asking. Or maybe it’s just time to try a new path.

Anyway, thanks for your post! I always love what you have to say.

Sarah
http://beyouliveyourdream.blogspot.com/2013/01/dont-just-avoid-your-nightmare.html
Su

Dear Danielle, I love to read what you write:) It is so true…love it!