A young Fulani shepherd watches over his cattle under the scorching sun in Burkina Faso. Known for their rich nomadic heritage, the Fulani are expert cattle herders, moving with the rhythm of the land and seasons. His Marlboro hat—an unexpected blend of tradition and Western branding—was likely a secondhand item from the global used-clothing trade that flows into West Africa. It offers both shade and a curious symbol of how cultures intersect in even the world’s most remote corners.
Have you ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels—busy, but not going anywhere?
You’re not alone. I’ve met many creatives, communicators, and even business leaders who feel like something’s off, even if everything looks good. They’re talented, experienced, and hardworking, but still feel lost.
Does this sound like you?
Lately, I’ve noticed something troubling in the news. Every time a tragedy like a mass shooting happens, the first question people ask is: “Why did they do it?” And most of the time, we never get a clear answer. We might hear about mental health, loneliness, or anger, but not the why.
That silence? That void where purpose should be? That’s what I believe we’re witnessing. A life with no compass. A person with no “True North.”
And it doesn’t only show up in extreme or tragic ways. It quietly affects artists, freelancers, and communicators every day. It drains our creativity, derails our focus, and leaves us stuck.
5 Signs You May Not Know Your “Why”
- You feel burned out, even when you’re not busy.
You’re emotionally tired, even when your workload is manageable. It’s a deeper fatigue, not fixed by rest. - You keep saying “yes” to things that don’t fulfill you.
You take on projects that pay the bills but drain your soul. Over time, you start forgetting what excites you. - You’re constantly pivoting, but never progressing.
Change is normal. But if you’re constantly switching direction and never gaining traction, something’s off. - You envy others more than they inspire you.
Instead of being motivated, you may be discouraged by others’ success because you may be unsure of what success looks like for you. - You can’t clearly articulate what drives you.
If someone asks, “Why do you do what you do?”—and your answer is vague, uncertain, or just about the money—you may not have your compass set.
How I’ve Stayed Oriented—Even When I Had to Pivot
Over the years, I’ve had to adapt to many changes—new tools, shifting industries, different clients, and more than a few surprise detours. Jobs, technology, and client demands have changed.
But my True North didn’t.
I’ve always been about storytelling—stories that matter and serve. Whether behind the camera, teaching a workshop, or consulting a nonprofit, I come alive when I help people find and tell stories that change lives.
Knowing that has been my anchor. It’s what kept me going when things got challenging or confusing. That’s what I want for you, too.
5 Ways to Discover—or Re-Discover—Your “Why”
- Look at your childhood passions.
What lit you up before anyone told you what you should do? There’s often a clue to your purpose there. - Pay attention to what energizes you.
Not just what you’re good at—but what you love doing, even when no one’s watching or paying. - Ask others what they see in you.
Friends and mentors often see your “why” more clearly than you do. Listen carefully to their insights. - Write your obituary (yes, really).
What do you want to be remembered for? What legacy do you want to leave behind? - Work with a coach or mentor.
Sometimes we need help uncovering purpose under layers of fear, failure, or fatigue. There’s no shame in that.
If you don’t know your why, someone else will try to give you one. A boss, a client, a culture. But it won’t fit right, and you’ll eventually feel it.
So take the time to find your True North. When you know it, every pivot becomes a course correction, not a crisis. Every change becomes a choice, not a derailment.
Your story matters.
Just make sure you know where it’s going.