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Progress always involves risk; you can't steal second base and keep your foot on first.
-- Frederick Wilcox
 

 

Wednesday, April 14, 1999

Because

The word “because” is powerful. It compels your mind to come up with a reason. Give it a try right now. Think of something you have scheduled this evening, or tomorrow afternoon. Now add the word “because."

"I’m going to work tomorrow because... I’m buying this box of doughnuts because... I didn’t get the business because... I need to go to the post office right now because..."

For everything you intend to do, there is a because. For everything that you experience, there is a because. Using the word “because” begs the question of “why?” Thoughtful use of the word “because” will bring your most powerful motivations to light.

Our actions and assumptions often become so deeply, habitually ingrained that we forget the reasons behind them. Often, the actions and assumptions continue long after the reasons for them have passed. It’s quite useful to regularly challenge those assumptions, to ask yourself “why?"

And one of the most effective ways to do that is with the simple, powerful word “because.” Tack it on to the end of your thoughts and give those thoughts a healthy dose of challenge.

— Ralph Marston

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Copyright ©1999 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.