Standing at the Edge of Growth: The Power of Asking “Why”
As a small business owner, growth often comes with moment of standing on the edge of the unknown. You find yourself facing opportunities that challenge your current capacity – like exploring high-cost services or expansive collaboration – and a simple yet profound question emerges: Why am I considering this?
Recently, I found myself in this exact position. I met with an advertising agency that proposed $20000 worth of services over three months – a significant investment for a small business. Initially, I felt a mix of self-doubt and curiosity: Can my business handle this? What am I hoping to achieve? But then, I realised something important: this wasn’t about the decision to hire the agency. It was about the first intiatory step – the enquiry.
The Edge of Growth: Why Intrinsic and Extrinsic Questions Arise
Growth – whether personal, spiritual, or business related – starts with stepping beyond your comfort zone. On this edge, two types of questions naturally arise:
Intrinsic Questions:
These come from within and reflect your internal dialogue. Why am I drawn to this? What does this opportunity represent for me? Am I ready to grow? These questions often reveal deeper aspirations and fears. providing insight into your motivations and readiness.
Extrinsic Questions:
These focus on external factors. What outcomes am I seeking? How will this impact my business, clients or life? What resources are needed to make this viable? These questions ground your exploration in practicality and align your vision with reality.
Both types of questions are essential. They work together to illuminate the path forward, even when the final decision is “not yet”.
Why Taking the First Step Matters
The enquiry itself is transformative, regardless of the outcome. Here’s why
- It Opens the Door to Possibility: Simply asking questions signals your willingness to grow. It shows you’re open to exploring opportunities, even those that feel beyond your current reach.
- It Provides Clarity: Through enquiry, you gain valuable information – not just about the opportunity but also about your own priorities, goals and readiness. Every. answer deepens your understanding of what’s next for you.
- It Validates Your Aspirations: Standing at the edge of growth can feel intimidating. By taking the step to enquire, you’re affirming that your dreams are worth pursuing and your business is worthy of the investment – whether now or in the future.
- It Aligns Vision with Strategy: Growth isn’t just big leaps; it’s about aligning your vision with actionable steps. Enquiry helps you evaluate whether an opportunity fits into your larger strategy or if smaller, more incremental steps are needed.
A Daily Ritual to Move Closer to Growth
When standing on the edge of growth, creating space for self-inquiry and aligned action is essential. Here’s a simple morning and evening ritual to guide you:
Morning Ritual: Setting the Tone for Growth
- Prepare Your Space: Sit quietly in a comfortable spot. Light a candle or incense if it feels grounding.
- Ground Yourself: Take three deep breaths and visualise roots growing from your feet into the earth.
- Ask the Question: Reflect on this prompt: “What is one small, aligned step I can take today toward my growth and purpose?”
- Anchor the Insight: Write your answer in a journal and visualise yourself completing this step with ease.
- Close the Ritual: Thank yourself for showing up and commit to taking inspired action during the day.
Evening Ritual: Reflection and Releasing
- Prepare Your Space: Create a cosy, claming environment with dim lighting or essential oils.
- Reflect on Your Day: Ask “What step did I take today that moved me toward growth?” Celebrate any progress made.
- Release and Reset: Silently say:“I release any tension or resistance from today and trust I am on the right path.”
- Express Gratitude: Write one thing you’re grateful for about the day.
- Set Your Intention for Rest: Invite restful sleep to restore your energy and bring clarity to tomorrow.
These rituals anchor you in intentional growth, combining self-enquiry with actionable steps. Over time, they create momentum, clarity and alignment in both your personal and business life.
The Importance of Why
The question why is both an anchor and a compass. Intrinsically, it helps you connect with your deeper motivation. Why does this matter to me? Why am I drawn to this path? Extrinsically, it ensures your actions are purposeful. Why is this opportunity valuable? Why is this the right time to explore it?
When the intrinsic and extrinsic “why” align, you create a foundation of clarity and confidence, making each step forward – no matter how small – a meaningful one.
Embracing the Initiatory Step
Growth doesn’t happen in a single moment or decision. It begins with a willingness to step into the unknown, to ask questions and to explore possibilities. Enquiry is not about committing to a particular path; it’s about discovering what’s possible and what feels aligned with your next phase.
Take Your Next Step
Are you standing on the edge of growth and feeling unsure about the next move? Let’s explore the questions together. Whether it’s about aligning your vision, clarifying your strategy or finding the courage to take the leap, I’m here to support you.
Click here to book a free discovery call and take that first step toward aligned growth. Let’s uncover possibilities waiting for you.
