Before you make your next move, investigate your WHY
It's easy to know what matters to you when everything is going well.
It's harder when you're facing resistance.
When you're the newest voice in the room. When you look different. When a decision hasn't gone your way. When you're questioning your confidence. When you’re unsure of your next steps. Or when creating the change you care about suddenly feels much harder than you imagined.
During six years coaching emerging leaders on fast-track leadership programmes, I saw people navigate high expectations (their own and other peoples), uncertainty and long-established cultures. The people who seemed most able to navigate these challenges weren't necessarily those who always knew what to do, or those who were the smartest or most confident. They were the people who never lost sight of why they were there.
Your Why isn't a mission statement. It's a deeper exploration of who you are, what makes you tick, what you value, the strengths you bring and the contribution you want to make. It's being curious about what led you to this point, what continues to draw you towards a particular field of work or way of living. And what you choose to show up for, day after day, in the precious time that you have.
Working with police officers in different ranks across county forces and London's Metropolitan Police, I saw the difference that connection to purpose can make. From someone's first weeks in the job to an established career, Why can influence much more than career direction. It can shape resilience, performance, impact, wellbeing and how we respond when the environment around us becomes difficult.
As a coach at Police Now, I worked with emerging detective leaders, emerging role models in society. I spent time with every individual exploring identity, self-awareness and motivations. For some, that also meant navigating the opinions of family, friends or communities questioning their career choice — particularly people from backgrounds historically underrepresented in policing who were stepping forward to serve and represent diverse communities.
One idea to think about
Your Why can become an anchor when the path ahead (in life or work) isn't straightforward. It won't remove uncertainty or resistance, but knowing what matters can help you decide what is worth pursuing, what you might need to let go of, and when it's important to keep going.
One question to consider
What matters enough to you that you're prepared to keep showing up for it when things become difficult?
One practical way to apply it
Think about one challenge you're navigating right now. Before asking “What should I do?”, instead ask:
o Why does this matter to me?
o What am I trying to change or contribute?
o How do I want to show up while doing it?
o Am I a reflection of the person I want to be?
Your answers may not give you the solution, but they will provide you with bearings.
A question from the Detective Coach
When it seems like everything around you is encouraging you to change direction, what helps you know which part of yourself shouldn't change?
Further Inspiration: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Angela Duckworth