When you think about your work, your brand, or your impact, do you start with yourself—or with the people you want to serve?
Simon Sinek reminds us to start with the why, but there’s a step before that: start with the who. Knowing who you’re creating for, influencing, or leading is a powerful motivator. When challenges arise, the neverending tasks pile up, or you feel stuck, remembering who you’re doing it all for can give you the clarity, energy, and persistence to keep going.
Why It Matters:
Focusing on your “who” shifts the perspective from “me” to “we.” It moves you from perfectionism and self-doubt toward action and impact. Understanding your audience goes beyond demographics. It’s about knowing their daily life, struggles, desires, and how your work can improve it. When you tap into both their practical and emotional needs, you create something that inspires and drives behavior.
Quick Reflection Exercise: Get Clear on Who You Serve
Grab a notebook or a piece of paper and consider these questions:
| 1. Who are they? Think broadly: What kind of people are you trying to reach? Consider roles, lifestyles, or interests.2. What’s their day like? Imagine their morning, afternoon, evening, and weekends. What experiences, habits, or challenges do they face?3. What do they need? Beyond products or services, what emotional or practical needs must you meet for them to trust you, engage, or feel understood?4. How can you show up for them? Brainstorm one or two ways your work could support or inspire them in meaningful ways this week. |
Tip: Use these answers as your anchor when things get hard. When you feel stuck or overwhelmed, remembering who benefits from your efforts helps you move forward with purpose and energy.
Why This Is a Critical Foundational Step
When you clearly define your “who,” you can align your messaging, offerings, and actions in a way that resonates deeply. You move from generic to purposeful, from reactive to intentional. You create experiences that influence behavior because they meet real human needs. And most importantly, it keeps you motivated when the path feels uncertain.
