T-SQL Tuesday #111 – What is Your “Why?”

I enjoy math. I noticed a pattern learning math, perhaps you experienced something similar. I found arithmetic an exercise in memory. I have a good memory (well, I had a good memory…) so memorizing a bunch of rules was no big deal. 

When I learned algebra, arithmetic made more sense. In addition to the memorized rules, I saw why the rules existed. I understood the rules better as a result.

This pattern held all through my math education. I understood algebra better once I learned geometry. I understood geometry better once I learned trigonometry. I understood trigonometry better once I learned single-variable calculus.

An Axiom (for me)

I notice a similar pattern applies to my career (or careers, as the case may be). I’ve served in many roles: 

• Farm laborer
• Musician
• Stockyard laborer
• Truck driver
• Service technician
• Soldier (part-time in the Virginia Army National Guard)
• Electrician
• Electrical engineer
• Electronics technician
• Manufacturing automation integrator
• Software developer
• Author
• Data professional
• Entrepreneur

The similar pattern manifests itself in this manner: I’ve enjoyed the position – and more success in the position – when I had a reason to do the work; some reason other than a paycheck. In some cases, I had multiple “why’s” beyond remuneration. For example, I join the Virginia Army National Guard to learn electronics and serve my country – to especially protect everyone’s right to free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment. I may not agree with what people say, but I was (and still am) willing to fight and die to preserve the right of US citizens to say whatever they want. 

As a result, I enjoyed serving in the National Guard (for the most part). I learned more. I learned better, I think, because I enjoyed serving.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship can be challenging. I believe one needs a “why” – or perhaps several “why’s” to remain an entrepreneur. The “why” cannot simply be money. Money isn’t inconsequential, mind you, but I believe the best “why’s” are less tangible.

Passion plays a major role for me. When business isn’t going well or when business is going too well, a couple intangible “why’s” – passions for both entrepreneurship and the kind of work I am blessed to do – inspire me to keep a steady hand on the tiller.

Also, entrepreneurship affords more and different ways to serve people. Am I saying one must be an entrepreneur to serve others? Nope. Flexibility with time, though, facilitates opportunities that may not otherwise be possible, or as possible.

What is Your “Why?”

That’s the question this month: Why do you do what you do?

I look forward to your replies.

The Rules

T-SQL Tuesday has the following rules:

1. Publish your contribution on Tuesday, 12 Feb 2019 between 00:00 UTC to 23:59 UTC.
2. Include the T-SQL Tuesday Logo and have it link to this post.
3. Please comment below with a link to your post.
4. Tweet about your post using #tsql2sday.
5. If you’d like to host in the future, Steve Jones.

Roundup

On or about 19 Feb 2019, I will publish a roundup post. (Until then, that’s a broken link…)

Enjoy!

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