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There may be no one out there with a stronger track record for helping people discover their purpose than this week’s guest, Dr. Gary Sanchez. This week we go deep with Gary on why finding your ‘why’ is so important, what to do next, and how discovering purpose in others has led to him finding purpose within himself.
GUEST BIO:
Dr. Gary Sanchez is the founder and CEO of the WHY Institute. After working closely with Start with Why author Simon Sinek, Gary was inspired to impact more lives by making the purpose discovery process scalable and available to everyone. Today, the WHY Institute has helped over 40,000 people get clear, stand out, and play bigger.
[8:29] - The Power of Why
How a shift in messaging transformed Gary’s business
In his years leading a dental practice, Gary long focused on the ‘what’ for his patients— what procedures he offered, what outcomes he provided. Then, he switched to ‘why’— why living a happy life is difficult without healthy teeth, and why having healthy teeth would transform people’s lives for the better. Immediately, his practice was transformed and other dentists were seeking him out for advice.
[13:55] - Why vs. Purpose
The leaders in each discuss the key differences
‘Your why is your being, your purpose is your action.’ This is how Dr. Gary sees the distinction between the two, and it’s a meaningful difference. Your why is what’s in you, whether it’s natural talent or developed skills. Your purpose is how you want to use that ability— your why put into action.
[20:42] - ‘Why’ Makes Life Harder— and That’s a Good Thing
Discovering and following your ‘why’ complicates life in the best possible way
Discovering your ‘why’ isn’t a prescription for making life easier— in fact, at least at first, it makes life more difficult. You’ll be pushed out of your comfort zone, but the result is that you’ll begin to fully enjoy each day and have passion for what you do. You’ll be fired up to face the challenges of each day, knowing that they’re moving you closer to fulfilling your purpose.
[28:30] - When the Question is How, the Answer is Why
Gary’s simple equation that applies to life and business
“When the question is how, the answer is why.” That simple mantra has profound implications. Whatever your ‘how’ question— How do I find my passion? How do I know what direction to go? How do I build a culture? How do I talk about my business— it can always be answered by discovering your ‘why.’
[44:22] - Empower People to Live their Strengths
Pick people based on their ‘why,’ then let them follow it
Gary is a huge believer in hiring talented people, removing the noise from their roles, and allowing them to focus on what they do best— and ensuring that he can focus on what he does best. When everyone on your team gets to live their strength and live their why, imagine how powerful, fast, agile, and excited your company culture will become.