When creating life rhythms, knowing your ‘why’ is important. Have we heard the phrase “know your ‘why'” one too many times? A catchphrase like this one seems to reach the point of repetition for good reason, because it is profoundly true. And helpful! Behind every rhythm that has lasted in our home is a ‘why’ that anchors us to it.
Habits are hard to start
We all know how hard it can be to establish a new habit. How many times have we started a new workout routine that hasn’t lasted? Or resolved to wake up early to start the day reading before the kids get up? Or decided to meal prep every weekend for the week ahead just to see that dream drift away by Tuesday? To create a lasting rhythm, start by knowing your ‘why’ so you have a meaningful reason that you can hold on to when you’re tired and your patience is wearing thin.
The importance of a solid ‘why’ when building lasting rhythms
The rhythms that last are the ones that are created to solve a problem, serve a need, or meet a desire. Your life won’t change in a consistent and impactful way if you simply try to imitate what seems to be working in someone else’s life. There must be an internal drive, rather than an external pressure, in order to make this kind of change. Motivation can range from the practical (get to bed on time) to the more visionary or relational (connect with our kids)
Knowing your ‘why’ so you can tackle a problem or target a passion
A rhythm that brings about a life-shifting, positive change starts with introspection, honesty, and self examination. Rhythms that “work” for each of us will all be custom tailored and beautifully unique. Implementing them in your home is a personal pursuit because it requires a knowing and understanding yourself, your spouse, and your family. By identifying an area that is consistently causing frustration, or an area of desire, you will have your starting point for creating your next rhythm. To discover your why’s and begin finding solutions, start with tackling a ‘problem’ or targeting a ‘passion!’
An example of a ‘why’
So that we don’t speak too philosophically (a danger for Ben 😉), let us give you a practical example from our life that has been an absolute game-changer for our family! I (Brianna) was struggling to get the kids out the door in the morning without chaos, mess, and tears. We would typically make it to school on time, but that hardly felt like a ‘win’ if Mommy was frustrated and firm and the resounding words of the morning were “no” and “hurry!”
It wasn’t just the what (getting Selah to school on time) that was important, but the how. I wanted our mornings to be calm, organized, and connective – at the heart of it was a desire for peace. I wanted her to arrive at school feeling listened to, encouraged, and ready for her day. We had our ‘why’ and we knew we needed to make a change. We needed to find our rhythm, one that was sustainable and would last, one that would calm the morning chaos.
Encouragement
What problem do you want to tackle? What passion do you want to target? Consider the “why” behind it and you’ll have the foundation of a rhythm worth building upon!
Much love from,
Brianna and Ben
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