3 ways to remember your “why” of why you even started your work in the first place to help you feel reconnected and more productive. When your goals feel meaningful, you will be the most engaged version of yourself.Identify the values most important to you and how they connect with the work you are doing.Ask yourself “Why did I get started in the work I am doing?” and write it down! Was it to give back to the community? Was it to be the manager you wish you had that never gave you the support you needed or challenged you in healthy ways? Was it to solve a problem you wish was solved when you were a child? Whatever it is, find your why and write it down.Put your “why” on a sticky note on your mirror as you get ready for each day and remind yourself who you are doing this work for.At the core, I share my story of my struggle to give a voice to the girl I was all those years ago that felt so alone. I share my story to normalize mental health challenges and remind you that you are not alone. I share my story to help you build the confidence and resiliency to keep moving forward.But what has really motivated me over the past 2.5 years is my daughter. I share my story because one day, the students I speak to will be her coaches, teachers and mentors, and their messages to her will play a pivotal role on how she views herself.Remembering the “why” of why I do the work I do, empowers me to keep going and to keep using my voice to change the narrative around mental health.Come back to it whenever you are feeling disconnected from your work and use it to rejuvenate you and push you to keep moving forward in the work you do.What you do matters. Keep going.Ivy Watts, MPH, Mental Health Empowerment SpeakerAuthor of You Are Worth Fighting For
Ivy Watts Speaks
