why not?

“Asking ‘Why?’ can lead to understanding. Asking ‘Why not?’ can lead to breakthroughs.”

​- Daniel Pink

I’ve written about the importance of asking “why” and how the true answer is usually buried three or four “whys” deep. Asking “why” can help you discover the reasons and influences behind the life you are living—the understanding, as Daniel Pink describes.

The second part of Pink’s quote makes me think of Russell Westbrook’s Why Not? Jordan Brand campaign; this is also the name of his foundation. I get goosebumps every time I watch this commercial–I’m not sure if it’s all of the individuals, including Westbrook, who said, “why not?” or the Nipsey Hussle track playing (the commercial uses my absolute favorite lines of the song).

​As you begin to better understand your authentic life by asking “why,” you will eventually come to something that will cause you to ask “why not?” and when you do, focus on all of the reasons you should or could achieve what stands before you. It’s easier to think of all of the reasons you can’t, but I want to challenge you to think of all the reasons you can and should.

With “why not?” you can control the narrative behind it; choose optimism, confidence, a belief in your Self, and that you have arrived at the question for a reason. Most people will not allow their Self to be someone who could be in the Russell Westbrook commercial because they allow others to control their thoughts and beliefs—but you know better than that.

See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,

JC