From Why to What

Here's my fifty-year old high school graduation photo. Now, a half-century later, another group of graduates will be receiving their diplomas, I know they've answered their share of questions.

But there’s an important question my history teacher asked me during my junior year of high school, and maybe it’s a question new graduates should ask too.

It had been a difficult season in my life, and I felt I had plenty to complain about. My history teacher, Mr. Wentz, wasn't having any of it.

He was also a tough—but successful, wrestling coach.

"Quit asking why," he scolded.

"It's almost always better to ask what. What have I learned? What should I do now?"

Then he explained something that has stayed with me for decades.

"There's a time to ask why, but it's often a trap. It can keep us stuck where we are."

A fifteen-minute conversation shifted my perspective from a blame game to a game plan.

I left his classroom without the sympathy I had been seeking, but with something far more valuable—a new strategy.

From that day forward, I began each morning by asking what I could do to move closer to my goals. I'd write down the most important thing I needed to accomplish that day.

That simple rhythm—asking what instead of why, writing down the day's goal, and then pursuing it—helped me finish high school, graduate from college, start a farm, recover from financial failure, rebuild, and navigate every season of life since.

So, graduates, I offer you the same advice Mr. Wentz gave me years ago:

Don't spend too much time asking why.

Ask what.

What can I learn?

What can I do next?

What action will move me closer to the person I want to become?

Then go do it.