As we pursue our theme of “Your Best Year Yet,” there’s no better time to reconnect with what truly drives you.
For many of us in the field of speech-language pathology, audiology, or related disciplines, our work is more than just a job. It’s a passion and/or a calling. We empower our clients and their families. But even the most fulfilling careers can feel routine or overwhelming at times, making it easy to lose sight of why we started in the first place.
Your “why” is the spark that brought you to this profession. Your “why” is the reason you decided to dedicate your time, energy, and expertise to improving the lives of others.
Reconnecting with it can reignite your passion and give you a clear sense of purpose to guide your decisions, actions, and goals for the year ahead.
Why does your “why” matter so much? At the heart of every meaningful career lies a deeply personal motivation. I could be the joy of seeing a client overcome a challenge, the pride in giving someone the tools to express themselves, or the satisfaction of mastering a complex technique that changes lives.
Whatever your “why,” it is a powerful source of energy and inspiration.
When we’re connected to our “why,” challenges become opportunities, mundane tasks take on meaning, and our daily work feels aligned with a greater purpose.
Reflecting on your “why” isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It is a strategy for thriving in your career.
Here is a simple exercise for reconnecting with your “why.” Take a few moments this week to reflect on the following three questions:
- What inspired me to pursue this career?
Think back to the moment you decided to enter this field. What motivated you? Was it a personal experience, a mentor, or a passion for helping others? - What moments in my work bring me the most joy?
Consider the times when you’ve felt happiest or most fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you helping? - What impact do I want to have on my clients, colleagues, or community?
Reflect on the difference you aim to make and how your work contributes to that vision.
Write down your answers. Don’t overthink them. Let your thoughts flow and revisit them throughout the year whenever you need a boost of motivation.
This week, make your “why” a guiding force. Write it on a sticky note, set it as your phone background, or journal about it each morning. Let it serve as a daily reminder of why you do what you do.
Wanna go even deeper? I highly recommend Start with Why by Simon Sinek.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your “why” and be featured in our newsletter! Share it on our Instagram (@splforslps) or email us (suzanne@spotlightpl.com). Let’s inspire one another and build a community rooted in purpose and passion.