As entrepreneurs, we are urged to put ourselves out there at all costs.

Simon Sinek famously poured out his philosophy on How Great Leaders Inspire Action in a Ted Talk for the first time in 2009. He stated plainly, “People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.”

Sinek's philosophy works for all of us hustling to do it on our own. Knowing your "why" also helps to maintain focus and direction no matter how many years you've been in business. Ultimately, I embraced the idea of putting pen to paper to describe why I wanted to start my business. Being the overachiever that I am, I came up with 7 reasons "why."

#1 To share the gifts I was given with others.

#2 To teach others that life is art and art is in life.

#3 To control how I support myself.

#4 To define success in a way that speaks to my soul.

#5 To strive for and enjoy a balanced life.

#6 To make a difference while I'm here and leave a legacy of joy and light.

#7 To honor and nurture my gifts.

Just as in the supports are necessary for a covered bridge to maintain its purpose in the image for this blog entry, knowing your own "why philosophy" supports the purpose for your business to last for generations.

What inspires your "why?"