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WHY.os

Beyond the Likes: Unlocking Your Teen’s Authentic Confidence in a Digital World

It often feels like modern parenting comes with its own unique set of challenges, doesn’t it? Many parents find themselves gazing at the top of their teenager’s head, perpetually bent over a glowing screen, wondering where the connection went. The worry about the constant digital noise, the elusive conversations, and that growing sense of disconnection can be truly isolating for parents. It’s understandable that the changing dynamics of family communication, where teens naturally pull away to spend more time with friends, are amplified by the digital world. Traditional communication methods, like authoritative lectures, often inadvertently push teenagers further away, creating a wider chasm instead of a bridge.  

But here’s the good news: there’s a powerful path to building a deeper, more resilient connection with your child. This path centers on helping them develop authentic self-esteem, a kind of inner strength that isn’t swayed by the fleeting trends or pressures of the online world. True confidence isn’t about chasing external validation, like the number of likes on a post or a perfect report card; it’s about an unwavering inner sense of worth that flows from within. This internal foundation is crucial because it profoundly influences a young person’s motivation, their overall mental well-being, and their entire quality of life. Children who truly believe in themselves possess a remarkable ability to bounce back from setbacks, embrace new challenges, and understand that mistakes don’t diminish their inherent value. This blog aims to offer a roadmap for parents to cultivate this deep, resilient self-esteem, which is the bedrock for navigating the complexities of adolescence and beyond.  

Decoding Confidence for Teens

Beyond the Screen: Understanding Your Teen’s Digital Landscape

The digital world, while offering avenues for connection, has also introduced a complex web of pressures that can significantly impact a teenager’s developing self-concept. Research consistently shows that extensive social media use can lead to a decrease in self-esteem, especially among young girls between the ages of 10 and 14. This constant exposure to seemingly perfect, often edited or curated, lives creates a pervasive sense of inadequacy, fostering anxiety, depression, and loneliness in teens. Dr. Anthony Johnson, an expert in adolescent health, notes that “Given the nature of social media, teens may hold themselves up to unrealistic — and in many cases unreal — ideals… This can contribute to a negative self-image and a sense of never feeling good enough”. This relentless comparison, coupled with the ever-present threat of cyberbullying, which can deeply affect a teenager’s self-worth, paints a challenging picture for youth mental health in the digital age. The “fear of missing out” (FOMO) further exacerbates feelings of anxiety and can even lead to social isolation, despite constant online connectivity.  

A deeper look reveals how social media fundamentally distorts a natural developmental process. Adolescents typically form their self-concept through what psychologists call the “looking-glass self,” interpreting how others view them to shape their own identity. However, in the social media environment, this mirror is often profoundly warped. Instead of reflecting a diverse “generalized other” that helps build a multi-dimensional and stable self, it presents a narrow, idealized, and frequently judgmental version of reality. This compels teenagers to create “personality masks” online, abandoning their true selves in a desperate attempt to gain external approval and validation through likes and comments. This isn’t merely about feeling bad; it’s about the active undermining of authentic identity development itself, fostering a deep dependence on “other-esteem”—a fragile sense of self-worth that is entirely contingent on external validation and prone to crumbling under the slightest criticism. This constant pursuit of external approval, often referred to as imposter syndrome, makes it incredibly difficult for teens to consolidate who they truly are.  

To help parents visualize these impacts, here’s a quick guide:

Social Media Feature/BehaviorImpact on Teen Self-EsteemPsychological Link
Curated Content & FiltersUnrealistic Standards & Body DissatisfactionLooking-Glass Self
Likes/CommentsReliance on External ValidationOther-Esteem
CyberbullyingDeeply Impacted Self-Worth & Mental HealthSocial Comparison Theory
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)Increased Anxiety & Social IsolationIdentity Formation Challenges
Constant ComparisonFeelings of Inadequacy & Self-DoubtImposter Syndrome

Building from Within: The Power of Authentic Self-Worth

Understanding the digital landscape is the first step; the next is to cultivate true inner strength. Authentic self-esteem is fundamentally different from the superficial validation teens often seek online. While self-efficacy—the confidence to perform well in specific areas like school or relationships—certainly influences how one feels overall, genuine self-esteem is about believing you are a good and worthwhile person regardless of external achievements. It is a manifestation of one’s relationship with oneself, flowing from within, not dependent on others or outside factors. Consider the A-student who becomes depressed by a single B grade; this clearly demonstrates a reliance on “other-esteem,” where their self-worth is tied to external performance, leaving them devalued when that performance dips.  

The key to fostering authentic self-esteem lies in a deliberate shift from seeking external validation to nurturing internal self-acceptance. This means recognizing that true worth is inherent and not contingent on performance, popularity, or external approval. As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment”. It’s important for parents to remember that elements like self-confidence, feelings of security, a strong sense of identity, belonging, and competence are all crucial components of healthy self-esteem. Barrie Davenport, an expert on confidence, reinforces this by stating, “Low self-confidence isn’t a life sentence. Self-confidence can be learned, practiced, and mastered–just like any other skill. Once you master it, everything in your life will change for the better”. This profound understanding empowers parents to move beyond simply praising accomplishments and instead focus on building an unshakeable inner foundation for their children.  

The crucial implication for parents is that simply focusing on a teen’s achievements—be it grades, sports victories, or social media popularity—can inadvertently reinforce that fragile “other-esteem”. While building confidence in specific abilities is valuable, the ultimate goal is to nurture a teenager’s belief in their inherent worth, independent of how they “measure up” to others. This means parents must actively shift their focus from external validation to internal growth, celebrating effort over outcome and allowing for mistakes as crucial learning opportunities. Promoting self-compassion, where teens learn to be kind to themselves even when they fall short, is also vital for building a resilient internal foundation. This fundamental shift in a parent’s approach is essential for cultivating genuine self-worth that can withstand the relentless pressures of the digital world and lead to a stable, happy individual.  

Bridging the Gap: Practical Steps for Connection and Communication

Now that the landscape has been laid out, the next step is to equip parents with actionable strategies. One of the most powerful tools for connection is active listening. It’s wise to remember: “Take the time to listen to your teenager, no matter how emotional or ridiculous their statements sound to you. When someone doesn’t feel valued or heard, their desire to participate in a relationship disappears”. This means truly listening more than speaking, giving teens the space to share without interruption, sarcasm, or immediate criticism. Parents are encouraged to provide guidance rather than judgment, fostering an environment of open dialogue where teens feel safe to express their perspectives. Sometimes, when teens open up, they aren’t looking for solutions; they are “just looking for a safe place to share their pain”.  

Beyond listening, fostering authentic self-esteem involves celebrating effort, allowing for mistakes, and encouraging exploration. Parents can inspire perseverance by praising their child’s efforts, even when the outcome isn’t perfect, teaching them that confidence isn’t about constant success but about resilience. Encouraging participation in activities of their choice, rather than the parent’s, helps teens discover their passions and build a sense of identity and competence. Parents should remember Bob Goff’s powerful sentiment: “Most teens need love and acceptance a lot more than they need advice”. Furthermore, Mark Gregston emphasizes that “Teenagers long to know that there’s nothing they can do to make us love them more, and there’s nothing they can do to make us love them less”. This unconditional love creates a secure foundation for self-worth.  

Navigating the digital world requires intentional strategies. Parents can set healthy boundaries around social media use, such as tech-free zones and hours, and crucially, model these healthy tech habits themselves. Parents are advised to “set tech-free zones and encouraging activities that build self-esteem based on abilities and accomplishment, not appearance”. Encouraging offline activities like hobbies and creative endeavors helps teens build confidence based on what they do rather than how they look. Regular, open conversations about social media are vital, teaching teens to question content accuracy and understand that many online images of beauty and lifestyle are unrealistic. This collaborative approach, where teens have input on rules, fosters independence and responsibility, directly contributing to their self-efficacy and ultimately, authentic self-esteem.  

Here’s a summary of these key strategies in a handy guide:

Strategy AreaKey Action/TipWhy It Matters (Benefit for Teen/Family)Expert/Study Source
Communication & ConnectionListen More Than You SpeakBuilds Trust & Open Dialogue
Fostering Inner StrengthCelebrate Effort Over OutcomeCultivates Resilience & Self-Efficacy
Navigating the Digital WorldModel Healthy Tech Use & Set BoundariesTeaches Digital Literacy & Self-Regulation
Unconditional Love & SupportShow Love No Matter WhatStrengthens Self-Worth & Family Bonds

The Journey to a Stronger Family Bond

The journey of parenting teenagers in the digital age presents unique challenges, but it also offers profound opportunities for growth and connection. Understanding the distinction between fragile “other-esteem”—which relies on external validation—and resilient authentic self-esteem—which flows from within—is absolutely critical. The power of intentional, empathetic parenting cannot be overstated; it is the guiding force that helps teens navigate a world saturated with unrealistic ideals and constant comparison.  

Fostering authentic self-esteem is a continuous journey, not a singular destination, and parents hold the key to guiding their teens through this transformative period. When a teenager develops a positive self-identity, it profoundly shapes their perception of belonging throughout life and is strongly associated with higher self-esteem. Unconditional love is vital for a young person’s sense of positive self-esteem and belonging, creating a secure foundation from which they can explore and grow. Healthy self-esteem enables individuals to maintain healthy relationships with others because they first have a healthy relationship with themselves. This internal strength reduces the “construct of neediness” that can strain parent-child dynamics, allowing for more equitable and respectful interactions where issues of rejection and judgment recede. The act of cultivating authentic self-esteem in a teenager is, therefore, a foundational investment in the resilience, emotional intelligence, and strength of the entire family unit, transforming potential disconnection and conflict into deeper, more meaningful bonds and genuine happiness for everyone.  

Your Next Step Towards Authentic Confidence

If this conversation resonated with you, if you’re nodding along thinking, “Yes, this is what my family needs,” then there’s something truly special to share with you. The WHY.os Family Online Course isn’t just theory; it’s your practical toolkit, your roadmap, and your supportive community to bring all these insights to life. It’s about turning those “aha!” moments into real, lasting change for your teenager and your entire family. This comprehensive online course for parents provides step-by-step guidance, expert strategies, and the support you need to navigate the digital challenges, improve communication with your teenagers, and help them build authentic self-esteem. Don’t just read about it, do it. Don’t wait to bridge the gap and empower your teen with unshakeable confidence, together.

Click here to learn more and enroll today!

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Does Your Coaching Technique Need a Fresh Coat of Paint?

 

Imagine Gary, a dentist with a flair for the latest gadgets and a resume sparkling with the best training available. Yet, his waiting room remained empty more often than not. The problem? It wasn’t his competence—it was his connection with potential patients. This realization resonates deeply in our roles as coaches. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but even with a toolkit stuffed with the best strategies, if we’re not truly connecting, we’re just treading water. Like Gary, we might be perfectly equipped, yet somehow, we miss the mark in making those essential client connections that drive real change.

Top Signs Your Your Coaching Might Need a Fresh Coat of Paint

1. You’re Digging Deep, But Only Finding Fragments

You’re thorough, you’re committed, and you know the right questions to ask. Yet, you can’t seem to unearth the deep, underlying motivations of your clients. It feels like you’re mining for gold in a river that’s long been panned out. If you’re not getting to the core of why they’re coming to you, it may be time to reevaluate your approach. Perhaps your techniques are technically sound but lack the personal touch or the psychological depth to truly resonate with your clients.

2. Your Client Roster is Thinning

When new clients are few and far between, or when repeat appointments start to decline, it’s an indicator that your coaching approach might not be as engaging or effective as it needs to be. It’s as if the market is gently hinting that your brand of coaching, while once vibrant and sought-after, may now lack the relevance or allure it once had. This is your cue to revitalize your practice, infusing new life and methods into your sessions.

3. Coaching Feels Like a Routine Task

Think back to when each coaching session was exhilarating, filled with discoveries and growth. If those days have given way to monotony, feeling more like routine than inspiration, your passion—and methods—might need reigniting. Coaching should be dynamic and invigorating not just for the client but for you as well. When it starts to feel like clockwork, it’s time to inject some new ideas and passion back into your practice.

4. The Applause Has Quieted

Feedback from your clients can be a goldmine of information. If the enthusiastic reviews have dwindled to polite thanks, it’s a signal that your coaching impact may not be hitting as hard as before. This diminishing feedback is often the first sign that your influence is waning, prompting a need for introspection and perhaps a shift in how you engage, motivate, and inspire your clients.

Why the Old Approaches Don’t Resonate Anymore

What worked well in the past doesn’t always stand the test of time. Just as technology evolves, so do the needs and expectations of our clients. Our coaching strategies must evolve too, to stay relevant and effective. Sticking to old maps while the terrain has shifted will only lead us astray; hence, continuous learning and adaptation are crucial.

Is Now The Perfect Time For A New Beginning?

The right time to adopt new strategies is when you recognize that your current methods aren’t producing the results they used to. This isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about staying ahead and continually finding better ways to connect and support your clients. It’s about being proactive, not reactive, and ensuring your coaching methods grow and evolve with the times.

Meet The Newest Advancement In Personal Discovery Tech

WHY.os is like discovering GPS after years of navigating with a paper map. It cuts through the noise and hones in on what really drives people: their WHY, HOW, and WHAT. This innovative tool doesn’t just add to your coaching arsenal—it transforms it, allowing you to reach deeper into the client’s psyche than ever before, and in doing so, revitalize both your practice and their lives.

Giving your coaching methods a makeover with something like WHY.os can bring back the spark and effectiveness to your sessions. It’s about more than keeping pace; it’s about setting the pace and ensuring that what you bring to the coaching table is as fresh and effective as the day you started. So, if you’re ready to stop treading water and start making waves again, it’s time to try on some new tools and see just how deep the changes can go.

Click here to learn about how you can become WHY.os Certified!

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WHY.os

The Top Challenges Facing Coaches Today and How to Navigate Them

 

The coaching world is more vibrant than ever, teeming with individuals passionate about making a difference. Yet, with this surge comes a landscape filled with challenges. Every coach is vying for attention, aiming to leave an indelible mark on their clients’ lives. But in a sea of voices, standing out and forging deep, lasting connections requires more than just traditional methods. Let’s delve deeper into the hurdles that today’s coaches face and explore strategies to leap over them.

The Crowded Marketplace

The coaching market is overflowing. It’s a great sign of the profession’s health, but it also means getting noticed by potential clients is tougher than it’s ever been. In this bustling crowd, shouting louder isn’t the answer. The secret lies in making genuine connections that resonate on a personal level. It’s about finding that unique element in your coaching style or philosophy that makes you not just another coach, but the coach someone has been searching for.

Deep Engagement with Clients

In our fast-paced world, where distractions are just a click away, maintaining a client’s attention throughout a coaching session can feel like an uphill battle. But the challenge extends beyond just capturing attention. It’s about opening doors to conversations that dive into the core of a person’s desires and fears. Such depth in dialogue is essential for facilitating real change. However, initiating and sustaining these meaningful exchanges requires patience, skill, and the right approach, making it a nuanced aspect of coaching that many strive to master.

Digital Coaching Challenges

The shift from in-person to digital coaching has reshaped the coaching landscape. While technology has enabled us to connect with clients across the globe, it has also introduced barriers to creating the warm, intimate atmosphere that face-to-face interactions naturally foster. From tech glitches to the lack of physical presence, the digital space challenges us to find innovative ways to maintain the essence of personal connection that is the heartbeat of effective coaching.

Showing the Value

In an era where everyone is looking for tangible results and clear evidence of progress, coaches are under pressure to demonstrate the immediate value of their services. Clients invest their time and resources with the hope of seeing significant improvements in their lives or careers. Thus, coaches need to employ methods and tools that not only facilitate but also visibly measure the impact of their sessions, reassuring clients of their investment’s worth.

Keeping Up with the Coaching World

The world of coaching is in constant flux, brimming with new theories, tools, and methodologies. Staying abreast of these developments is crucial for any coach looking to offer the best to their clients. This continuous learning journey is both exhilarating and daunting, as it demands a commitment to self-improvement and adaptability in the face of an ever-evolving discipline.

coaching-presentation

Discovering the WHY with WHY.os

Facing these challenges head-on might seem daunting, but they are far from insurmountable. With the right mindset, tools, and knowledge, these obstacles become opportunities for growth and excellence. Enter the WHY.os certification—a compass in the complex world of coaching. More than just a badge of expertise, it’s a deep dive into the art of understanding what drives people, unlocking the potential for transformative connections.

The WHY.os certification equips coaches with the skills to navigate a crowded market, engage clients on a profound level, adapt to the digital era, visibly demonstrate the value of their sessions, and commit to a path of lifelong learning.

Are you ready to elevate your coaching and create connections that last a lifetime? Dive into our guide, “Unlocking the Secrets to Client Engagement,” and take your first step toward the WHY.os certification. Transform your practice and discover the power of truly understanding your clients. Click here to join now!

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Podcast WHY.os

Mini Episode: A Billion WHYs: Dr. Sanchez’s Vision for Global Impact

Mini Episode with Dr. Gary Sanchez
WHY.os: Better Way – Clarify – Simplify

Dr. Gary Sanchez is a renowned expert who has transitioned from being a dentist to a leader in personal and professional development. His unique insights into the ‘WHY’ of human behavior make him an essential voice for anyone seeking to understand their own motivations and those of others.

  • Discover Your Why: Learn the nine universal ‘WHYs’ that drive our actions and how identifying yours can transform your life.
  • Impact of Self-awareness: Uncover how self-awareness and understanding your ‘WHY’ can lead to both personal and professional success.
  • The Uniqueness of the WHY.os Discovery Tool: Explore the innovative WHY.os Discovery tool, designed to help you find your ‘WHY,’ ‘HOW,’ and ‘WHAT’ for a more fulfilling life.

Hit play on this episode and join Dr. Sanchez on an adventure to find out what makes you, well, you!

Watch the episode here


00:01:04 – The Importance of Knowing Your Why
00:02:28 – Impact of Knowing Your Why
00:03:10 – The Difference Between Short-Term Motivation and Your Why
00:04:56 – The Universality of Your Why
00:05:18 – Influence of Simon Sinek and the Start With Why Movement
00:07:17 – Discovering the Host’s Own Why
00:09:03 – Helping Others Discover Their Why
00:09:25 – Patterns and the Nine Whys
00:12:04 – The Development of the Why Discovery Algorithm

 

 

Unlocking the Power of WHY: Dr. Gary Sanchez’s Journey to the WHY.os Discovery

 

Have you ever paused to wonder WHY you do what you do? What drives your decisions, your passions, your career choices? Imagine a world where every decision, every action, and every aspiration is driven by a deep understanding of WHY we do what we do. This is the world Dr. Gary Sanchez invites us to explore. A man whose journey from a successful dentist to a thought leader in understanding the personal and professional WHY is nothing short of inspiring. This transformation wasn’t just a career shift; it was a deep dive into the essence of human motivation and purpose.

Dr. Sanchez’s story is a testament to the power of self-discovery. It’s about unearthing the underlying reasons behind our actions and motivations, which he calls our WHY. This concept isn’t just a philosophical musing; it’s a practical tool for personal growth and success. And at the heart of this journey is the WHY.os Discovery tool, a groundbreaking approach developed by Dr. Sanchez to help individuals and organizations unlock their true potential.

Who is Dr. Gary Sanchez?

Before he became a beacon of insight into the WHY of human behavior, Dr. Gary Sanchez was a dentist. But beneath the surface of his dental practice, there was a burning question that kept him awake at night – WHY do people do what they do? This question led him on a path of exploration and discovery, far beyond the realms of dentistry.

His quest for answers transformed into a mission: to develop a tool that could help people understand their own WHY. This mission birthed the WHY.os Discovery, a unique blend of introspection and practical application, designed to guide individuals in uncovering their core motivations.

Understanding the WHY.os Discovery

The WHY.os Discovery stands out in the crowded space of personal development tools. It’s not just about personality assessments or skill evaluations; it’s about digging deeper into the core of our being. The WHY.os helps individuals and organizations decipher the fundamental reasons behind their actions, choices, and behaviors.

What makes the WHY.os Discovery unique is its simplicity and profound impact. It’s a tool that goes beyond the surface, offering clarity and direction in both personal life and professional endeavors. It’s about aligning your actions with your true motivations, leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

The Nine WHYs and Their Impact

Dr. Sanchez’s exploration led to the identification of nine universal WHYs that encapsulate the range of human motivations. These WHYs are the lenses through which we view the world, make decisions, and interact with others. They range from the desire to contribute to a greater cause, to the drive for better ways, to the need for trust and stability.

Each WHY has its unique impact and manifestation. For instance, someone with a WHY of contribution is driven by the desire to add value and make a difference in the lives of others. In contrast, an individual whose WHY is about making sense of the world might be drawn to roles that require analytical thinking and problem-solving.

Real-world examples abound in Dr. Sanchez’s practice and beyond. From business leaders who reshaped their companies by understanding their WHY, to individuals who found new purpose and direction in their personal lives, the nine WHYs offer a powerful framework for understanding and growth.

The Power of Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is like a compass in the journey of life and career. It’s about knowing not just where you are, but also where you’re headed and WHY. Dr. Gary Sanchez emphasizes that self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal and professional success. It’s the key to understanding not only our actions but also our reactions, our decisions, and our relationships.

The WHY.os Discovery tool is a catalyst for this self-awareness. Dr. Sanchez explains how it goes beyond the surface, helping individuals and organizations to not just identify their WHY but to live it. This enhanced self-awareness leads to more meaningful interactions, better decision-making, and a deeper understanding of one’s role in both personal and professional realms.

Transforming Lives and Businesses

Imagine waking up every day with a clear sense of purpose and direction. That’s the power of understanding your WHY. It’s about aligning your life and career with what truly matters to you. Dr. Sanchez shares numerous success stories – from individuals who’ve found renewed passion and direction in their personal lives to businesses that have transformed their operations and culture by aligning with their WHY.

These case studies are not just stories; they are testaments to the transformative power of the WHY.os Discovery. They showcase how understanding your WHY can lead to significant changes, not just in how you work, but in how you live.

Future Directions and Global Impact

Dr. Sanchez’s vision extends far beyond individual success stories. He dreams of a world where everyone understands their WHY – a world where people and organizations operate with clarity and purpose. His goal is to impact a billion lives, helping people across the globe to discover and live their WHY.

This vision is about creating a global movement of purpose-driven individuals and organizations. It’s about building a future where decisions, both big and small, are guided by a deep understanding of one’s motivations and purposes.

In this special episode of Beyond Your WHY, Dr. Gary Sanchez not only shares his journey but also invites us all to embark on our own. The key takeaways from this episode – the power of self-awareness, the transformative impact of knowing your WHY, and the potential of the WHY.os Discovery – are more than insights; they are invitations to a more fulfilling life and career.

The WHY.os Discovery is not just a tool; it’s a pathway to a purpose-driven life and leadership. It’s an opportunity to align your personal and professional worlds with what truly drives you.

We encourage you to explore your own WHY. Listen to this enlightening episode of Beyond Your WHY with Dr. Gary Sanchez, delve into the world of the WHY.os Discovery, and start your journey towards a more purposeful and impactful life.

Listen to the episode above or wherever you get your podcasts!

Discover your WHY.os now for 50% off! Click here to purchase today or visit whyinstitute.com/why-os-discovery to learn more!

If you love the show, please don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review and rating on whatever platform you are using.

Thank you so much for being here. We will see you in the next episode.

 

About Dr. Gary Sanchez

Dr. Gary Sanchez is an International speaker, author, dentist, and inventor. He is best known as “Dr. WHY” for discovering the 9 WHYs, developing the WHY Discovery Tool, the WHY.os Discovery (WHY Operating System), as the Founder and CEO of the WHY Institute.  Many people talk about the power of knowing your WHY, but Dr. Sanchez took it from concept to reality to activation  when he created the world’s first WHY Discovery tool to help people accurately and quickly discover their WHY in under 5 minutes. In 2021, WHY Institute launched the WHY.os Discovery which discovers your WHY, HOW, and WHAT and creates your personal brand message for you in under 10 minutes.  

From a successful dentist to now helping hundreds of thousands discover their WHY.os, Dr. Sanchez’s journey shows the impact of understanding and living your WHY.os. He is now on a mission to help 1 Billion people unleash their true self by discovering their WHY.os. 

Dr. Sanchez is the author of the book The Power of the 9 WHYs: How People and Teams Get Clear, Stand Out and Play Bigger which helps readers deep dive into understanding who they are, strip away their mask to see their real gifts and then equip them to be themselves by living their WHY.os.  

Dr. Sanchez believes that success happens when we find a better way and share it.  HOW he does that is by making things clear and understandable. Ultimately WHAT he brings are simple solutions to help others move forward. He did this for 32 years as a Cosmetic and Sedation Dentist and currently as the CEO of WHY Institute.  

He earned his degree in biology from the University of Colorado in Boulder and his D.D.S. from the University of Southern California. Dr. Sanchez’s favorite saying is “There’s always a better way!”

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Personal WHY.os WHY WHY.os

5 Tips to Start Living Your WHY.os

We all have a WHY – an inner voice that drives us and motivates us to make decisions and pursue our dreams. In today’s world, understanding your WHY is critical for personal and professional growth. If you’re reading this my guess is you already knew that. 😉

via GIPHY

So let’s get into it.

Step 1: Take the WHY.os Discovery & Talk About Your Results

The best way to get to know your WHY.os is to, you guessed it, take the WHY.os Discovery! 10 minutes of your time and you’ll have your results and can start diving into what your specific WHY.os means and how to live into it.
Before you really start overthinking and making this more complicated than it is, just ask yourself, “How do I feel about these results?” If you’re not sure, the easiest way to really know is to talk to your friends and family about your results. Do they think it sounds like you?
Tip: Before you tell them your results, ask them what they think your WHY.os is and compare it to the results you got.
So you’ve taken the discovery and talked about your results with people in your life, now what? It’s important to remember that living into your WHY.os may not happen instantly. We don’t expect you to have it all figured out right away, but now that you know what your WHY.os is, it’s time to connect the dots.

Step 2: Reflect on Your Childhood and Early Influences

We all know that your childhood experiences have a profound impact on who you become as an adult. When examining your WHY.os, it can be helpful to reflect on these influences to better understand your results.
Ask yourself questions like, “What values did my parents emphasize when I was growing up? What do I remember most about my childhood and what did I learn from that? How have my early influences shaped who I am today? Are there times from my childhood that I saw my WHY play out, my HOW shine bright, or my WHAT take center stage?”
Answering these questions will not only help you gain insight into yourself but also give you more confidence in how to live into your WHY.os. As Coach Danica Trebel put it, “Discovering your WHY.os is like remembering who you were before the world told you who you weren’t.”

via GIPHY

Step 3: Identify Your Natural Strengths and Talents

Another great way to understand your WHY.os is to look at your natural strengths and talents. What have you always been naturally good at? What excites you? When do you find yourself in the flow and what activities bring out the best in you?
Take some time to really explore your natural strengths and talents, as this is often an indication of what drives us. If something feels right deep down inside, then chances are that’s where your WHY lies. For example, if you feel a strong sense of ownership and passion when it comes to problem-solving, then you may have the WHY of Make Sense.
Take the time to explore yourself and find out what makes you tick.

Step 4: Analyze Your Life Experiences

Our experiences shape us in countless ways and reflecting on these can help you understand your WHY.os.
Think back to a time when you faced something challenging. What was it? How did you react during the challenging time? What choices did you make that could be reflective of your WHY.os?
For example: A friend of mine, let’s call her Sarah, has the WHY.os of Contribute, Simplify, Right Way. A challenge she is facing is being drained and burnt out by her job. She enjoys the overall work but she works long, grueling hours and always feels there is more to be done. She gets pulled into work on her days off and even when she’s at the dinner table. She is amazing at her job because she has found ways to not only save the company by cutting costs but has found a way to do three jobs at once. Needless to say, the company finds her invaluable but she feels extreme burnout!
Examining Sarah’s WHY.os, can you see where the challenge is coming from?
Being a Contribute, Simplify, Right Way she is always driven to do more, contribute more, make a bigger impact. She has a gift for simplifying the work needed to be done and always finds the right way to do it. But with that, comes more and more work until she can’t work anymore. It’s no wonder she is feeling burnt out!
By reflecting on her WHY.os, Sarah can now see that she is letting her Contribute bog her down. She is always going to want to jump in and help but needs to learn how to say no, delegate tasks, or hire a team member to help take on the workload. This would allow her to focus on her, and only her, work even though she has the talent to take it all on. This makes for a much more manageable work experience.

Step 5: Make An Action Plan

Make a plan, and start small. Take the exercises above and break them down.
Once you’ve worked through those exercises, it’s time to let your WHY.os start working for you and with you. You now know the things that give you energy because those things are in line with your WHY.os and always have been, do you see?

BONUS STEPS:

via GIPHY

STEP 6: Find Your Community

Remember when I said that thing about “You’ll know it when you can say it.” Well now is your chance.

The best way to get to know your WHY.os, ask the questions you want, and explore the WHY in depth is to follow us on social and interact with our large network. Joining a group of like-minded individuals will allow you to talk about it more and connect even deeper. We have a large community all across the world and we are all here to help you on your journey.

Plus, it’s always good to have people cheering you on in life!

STEP 7: Take Advantage of Our Resources

  • Sign up for the Personal WHY.os Online Course where you can dive even deeper into the WHY.os, learn how we came up with the Discovery, brain biology and more.
  • Join our mailing list to receive monthly tips and resources for exploring the intricacies of your WHY, plus a fun “WHYology” report for living more intentionally with your WHY.os!
  • Make sure you are subscribed to this blog where we will be writing about life tips, marketing with your WHY, business tips, and more.

By taking the time to explore your WHY.os and making it a part of your everyday life, you can begin to create an intentional life that aligns with what matters most to you. You will have clarity on why certain things give you energy and why others do not, and what you need to do in order to make your life the very best it can be.

Now go forth and start living your WHY.os!

 

Ready for more? Check out our Personal WHY.os Online Course, sign up for our mailing list, join the conversation on social, or just start exploring today! There is no wrong way to do this – the only thing that matters is that you have the courage to start living intentionally. Good luck! 💪🏼 🌈 🎉 🤩

 

The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step – let’s get started on yours today! 🚀✨

 

Happy Exploring! 😊☀
Categories
Personal WHY.os Submissions Uncategorized WHY WHY.os

Should you really follow your bliss? – By Watson Jordan

For years, I’ve heard people say, “You just need to follow your bliss.” And that sounds nice… but for many of us, it’s difficult to take that advice seriously when we have mortgages to pay.

This morning as I was reading, I stumbled across this gem from Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

At its core, following your bliss means finding work that truly inspires you—work that makes you come alive. This doesn’t mean finding something easy or glamorous. It means finding something that ignites a passion within you and gives your life purpose. This kind of enthusiasm for what we do is attractive to others, and it will draw people towards us who share our values and our vision.

For me, this energy is one of the things I like most about working with the WHY Institute. Their algorithm gives me the language I need to get in touch with my core. It helps me get clearer on my goals and how to reach them using what already comes naturally to me.

When we focus on finding what makes us come alive, we bring out the best in ourselves. We are more attractive and interesting and are given the opportunity to bring our ideas to the world.

 

I used to tell my kids, “Don’t hide your light under a basket.” When you understand WHY you do what you do, you are one step closer to finding the courage to share your light with the world.

If you’re feeling a little pessimistic, like I was this morning, remember that the best thing you can do is to turn your light on and see where it takes you. You’ll be amazed at what happens when you find out why you do what you do and then go for it. Go ahead – turn the light on.

Categories
Personal WHY.os Submissions Uncategorized WHY.os

‘Doing Life On Purpose’ By Jerry Fletcher

Doing Life On Purpose

Completing a WHY.os changes everyone.

Suddenly, you can go from someone that was blindly feeling your way, to an individual that has a keen grasp of why you are here.

You may see the world differently.

For some it’s like coming out of the fog into a sunny day.

Clarity replaces fuzzy thinking.

Intentionality overcomes meandering and all who know you see the shift in your resolve.

It is not a miracle cure.

Simply taking the WHY.os and getting the report won’t accomplish an overnight change maximizing your potential. Individual reactions range from, “This is Bull Pucky!” to “Seems Right” to “This just nails it!”

We are all individuals. Some of us “get it” by osmosis while others seem to have to have it drilled into them. Most of us fall between those two poles and our WHY affects how we react to the insights gained.

A coach is a necessity.

Doing life on purpose becomes the goal.

Having a coach can get you there faster.

Having a coach can increase your clarity.

Having a coach can strengthen your commitment.

It starts with completing a WHY.os.

It ends with doing life on purpose.

And so it goes.

Categories
WHY.os

What is a WHY.os?

What is a WHY.os?

By: Bella Sanchez

 

Whether you’ve discovered your WHY or not – there is a secret we’ve kept. Discovering your WHY isn’t all the WHY Institute provides. There are next steps in your WHY journey and that is discovering your WHY.os (HOW & WHAT).

 

What is a HOW?

 

A HOW is the way in which you bring your WHY to life! It is the way you express your WHY, the way it lives through you. You could very well have the same WHY as someone, but HOW you live your WHY is entirely different so it is important to understand this about yourself and others.

 

What is a WHAT?

 

A WHAT is what you ultimately bring. It is what people can depend on you for and may even be what you’re known for! Your WHAT is the way your WHY and HOW come to life. 

What is the “.os” in WHY.os?

 

The .os in WHY.os refers to combining your WHY, HOW, and WHAT together. It is your operating system, hence, os. When you put your WHY, HOW, and WHAT together in the right sequence, that is when it becomes a game changer. That is when you know yourself to the deepest level and can express who you truly are, how you operate, and how you view the world.

 

What does knowing your WHY.os do?

 

Knowing your WHY.os is what puts the whole picture together. Knowing your WHY without the others is simply a piece or two to the puzzle that makes up the total you.

Your WHY is what drives you, your HOW is how you express it, and your WHAT is what you deliver. All of these together are your WHY.os, the essence of who you are.

 

Figuring this out may seem like a daunting task – and that’s WHY we exist!