Why Doing Well

​Dear Why Team member,
I hope this week’s message finds you encouraged and doing well.
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Audio:🗣

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We are such social creatures; despite moments, sometimes days or nights of needed solitude, almost all of us need the interaction with another (human) being. And verbal interactions, just like many things in our lives, start with a handful of programed habits. For example, when we meet someone, we often greet them:
 
“How are you doing?”
 
How would you answer this question right now? Please take a moment to consider how you are doing.
 
A common answer is
“I am doing well” or simply “I am well, thank you”. But notice the second response has removed the “doing”. 

Many times, we reflexively respond without much thinking, but how much more might we learn when we think?!
Okay, maybe I often over-think, but I do enjoy adventure and discovery.
My recent blogs have discussed our mind‘s natural inclination toward pattern recognition and the dopamine we receive when those patterns are recognized. Notice how the response “I am well” is certainly insight into how one is doing personally, but “I am doing well” could be considered in a new light. And so, this is where we’re headed.
Are you doing well because you are doing well by others?
 
When I hear someone ask me :
“how are you doing?”,
I immediately think about myself personally, my mental and physical health, my job, etc., but imagine living a life that is calling us more-so to do well by others - imagine hearing 
“How are you doing?” and thinking more how we are doing for others rather than how we are doing for ourselves.
 
Is what we “do” focused on the wellness of others or is it a focus on our own personal wellness?
 
Of course, doing well by others is maybe the best thing we can do for ourselves, but you get my meaning.
 
I believe we cannot be truly successful in life unless others are more successful because of our life.
 
A life well lived is one that has purpose and meaning; we seek to become better to do better for others.
 
I can say without a doubt that nothing gives my life more meaning than to hear from another how my life and work has served them. I think this is why being a parent is particularly rewarding, but every day brings new opportunities to “do well” for others, inside and outside of our immediate circle.
 
So, I’ll ask again, 
“How are you doing?”
 
This week and beyond, consider more-so the doing you do that lifts and improves the lives of others - and no doubt your answer “I am doing well” will inspire you all the more.
 
Make it a great week!
 

Steve Luckenbach