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“What do you do?” Many people ask me that when they meet me. At first, I often feel a little uncomfortable. That’s because I do many things that define who I am. Depending on the context, I fulfill a role that best serves the situation. For example, I am a father, first responder (first aid provider), trainer, facilitator, writer, spiritual leader, and lover.
The question that changes everything
I prefer to ask a different question: “What do you love to do?” Recently, I was at a networking event and met a sales manager. He told me about his company and his successes. Not really interesting. Then I asked him what he loves to do. The man looked at me, confused. “What do you like to do most?” I asked him for more clarification. Then his eyes lit up, and he told me all about his sailboat and how much he loved being on the water after a day’s work.
But others rarely ask me that question. And if they did, I would say that I love traveling with my family and tell them about the adventures we had in Morocco during Christmas. I have traveled a lot for work, with my family, and for my spiritual path. Meeting new people, hearing new ideas, and seeing new horizons expand my consciousness.
Small talk? Maybe. But it does create a bond. In my stories, I like to take others on a journey, and I like to travel with others in their stories.
What do you do?
Back to the question, “What do you do?” This is sometimes followed by the question “What else do you do?” after a training session or workshop.
It’s also not always clear when people visit my website or LinkedIn profile. I facilitate, and I train. Through a number of “coincidences,” I ended up coaching engineers as a freelancer, and I quickly discovered that lasting behavioral change is only possible when people know what they really want.
I help others discover their WHY
In 2015, I came across Simon Sinek’s theory of the Golden Circle. It prompted me to discover my own WHY, which helped me make choices that brought me more joy and fulfillment in life. I would be happy for others to have that too. Together with Marius van Vlijmen from Go With WHY, we help individuals and groups discover and live their WHY, their purpose, or lifegoal.
My WHY statement is:
I facilitate so others can elevate themselves and experience more love.
After the WHY sessions, Marius and I see participants looking at us with disbelief (and sometimes with tears in their eyes) because they have finally been able to put into words what they have always felt. It enables them to take action and change their mindset so that they, too, can experience more fulfillment and lead happier lives. The beauty of it is that it affects the world around them. The people they work and live with are touched by their energy, optimism, positivity, and zest for life. We are convinced that living your WHY makes the world a better place for everyone.
I dance (preferably with others) the haka
Based on the same WHY, I lead workshops where participants experience the haka authentically and respectfully. The haka is a traditional dance from New Zealand that creates more connection, leadership, and courage within teams. You can read more about the haka here and here.
I share what I learn
Growth never stops. That’s why I regularly write blogs about what I have experienced and learned, believing it helps others elevate themselves and experience more joy, self-confidence, strength, and love (again in line with my WHY). In a biweekly newsletter, the Lift, I briefly talk about the blog, share a book I am reading (or want to read), and a quote that touches me. If you would like to receive the Lift, sign up now via this link!
Discover your WHY now!
What I do is always in line with my WHY. It gives me a lot of energy, joy, self-confidence, joy, and love. It also helps me make choices and decide to do the things I want to do most. This has a positive effect on my environment. Would you like that too?
Contact me to get to know me.
You don’t make up your WHY. It has existed since your teenage years. It’s about discovering it, and we are happy to help you with that.
Who are you? And what do you love to do most? Let me know in the comment box below. I, and other readers of this article, look forward to reading from you!
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