In a world where every day presents new challenges and opportunities, the key to true inspiration and leadership lies in understanding the deep beliefs and values that drive us. This reveals how understanding and expressing your “Why” can be a powerful engine for inspiration and influence. The depth of this approach is that it shifts the focus from outcomes to root causes and underlying principles. After all, these are what form the basis for all actions and decisions.

The Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, epitomized the ideal of starting with “Why.” Their mission to reach the sky was not merely a dream but a purpose that inspired and brought people together. So, it was their “Why.” They did not have significant funding, influential connections, or higher education but possessed a passion and vision that transcended these shortcomings. Their team gathered in a modest bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, and realized their bold dream. On December 17, 1903, they proved that man could fly, becoming the first in history to make controlled flight in a motorized airplane. The Wright Brothers’ success resulted from their engineering prowess and their ability to inspire and lead, starting with the question “Why.”

Similarly, Apple, under the leadership of Steve Jobs, didn’t just create electronic devices. Their “Why” — the desire to change the world and impact humanity — became the foundation for innovations that transformed entire industries. This vision and belief in the possibility of change was so contagious that it led to the creation of products that have become iconic.

Martin Luther King Jr. Could serve as another example. He wasn’t just a charismatic speaker; he was a leader who started with “Why.” This man knew that it took more than just his words and speeches to make the civil rights movement successful. He united tens of thousands of ordinary citizens inspired by a common vision to change the country. On August 28, 1963, when he gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, it was the culminating moment that inspired the nation to change, not just for the sake of a minority, but for the good of all. His ability to inspire change in the country based on a deep understanding of “Why” made him one of the most significant leaders in U.S. history.

These stories demonstrate that a deep understanding of one’s “Why” is not just a way to inspire those around you. It’s a means to create lasting impact by making every action and decision part of a larger meaning and purpose. It’s not just about how to succeed but how to give your actions a deep and lasting resonance, inspiring others to follow based on beliefs and values, not just because of external incentives or rewards.