He who has a why for which to live can bear with almost any how

These famous words were written by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. He’s probably most famous for killing God and criticizing Christianity, but today, we want to address another one of his contributions.  

Life is filled with obstacles that can test our patience, resilience, and strength. In adversity, feeling overwhelmed, lost, or even hopeless is easy, and it can be hard to find a way forward. Nietzsche’s idea is that when we have a purpose, we can endure, adapt, and push through—a why can overcome any how.

Taking Responsibility

Many people wait for external circumstances to change before they act. They hope life will give them clarity, certainty, or the perfect opportunity. But meaning isn’t something that simply happens to us—it’s something we must create through action and responsibility.

Taking ownership of our lives means refusing to play the victim. It means acknowledging that, regardless of where we start, we can shape our future. The moment we accept this, life stops being something we passively experience and becomes something we actively start building.

Momentum Begins with Purpose

When we align our actions with a higher purpose, momentum follows. Passion alone may spark excitement, but purpose is what sustains us through hardship. When we commit to something greater than ourselves—whether it’s personal growth, helping others, or creating something meaningful—we begin to see obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

Purpose acts as a compass, guiding us through uncertainty. It helps us persist when motivation wanes, when challenges seem insurmountable, and when doubt creeps in. Knowing why we do something makes the how bearable, even when the path is difficult.

Virtue and Purpose

Beyond simply achieving goals, living with virtue and purpose gives us direction. A life rooted in integrity, kindness, and courage creates not only success but fulfillment. When our actions align with our values, we gain a deep sense of trust in ourselves. We don’t just move forward—we move forward with meaning.

A life guided by virtue and purpose isn’t just about accomplishing tasks or checking off goals—it’s about creating something lasting. It’s about knowing that when we look back, we won’t see a series of aimless days, but a life lived deliberately—a life that mattered.

Choose Your Why

Whatever difficulties you face, whatever uncertainty clouds your path, know that your why is the key. If you haven’t found it yet, start by taking action and adopting responsibility. Responsibility brings clarity, and clarity brings direction.

Your journey won’t always be easy, but when guided by a purpose greater than yourself, you will find the strength to endure, adapt, and thrive.

So, when in doubt, remember that when you have found your why, you can bear any how.

Until next time,

Scott and Lennart