Discover Your WHY

Time and time again, people fail at their goals and resolutions. One of the biggest reasons we fail is not defining a “why” or the “why” isn’t strong enough. As you begin a journey of true transformation, you must start with your passion and why.

We are often forced into “whys” by an outside force. What do I mean? Do you experience money shortfalls each month and/or unexpected bills? Do you feel like you can’t get ahead sometimes? Maybe it is just a lock of income, so you are now driven to find a better job. Maybe you had a health scare that forced you into wanting to be in better physical shape. Or it is as simple as getting tired from running around or trying to keep up with your kids.

All these examples can be considered as external forces. Your reason for creating a goal is reactive and is determined by lagging indicators (creating a budget after a financial hardship, being tired, etc.).

You must have a strong reason why you want to change something. You can start off on fire, but after the new wears off, it gets hard. Your “why” must be so strong that it keeps you focused so you do not waiver in your commitment to success.

Examples

An external forced WHY

I am tired of always paying bills and not having any money left over. All I do is pay bills. I am tired of being on the expense hamster wheel. I need to start paying attention to my money soon.

An Intrinsic WHY

I have lived a life of constant chaos including no financial freedom for my family. Starting today I will be strategically focused on living my best life. I will start experiencing life with my family and for my family. I will win each day by developing a family plan with my spouse. I want to be a positive example for my kids. I will own each day and not let my day own me.

Do you see the difference? The first “why” is driven by the lagging indicators of bills. It does not address the true reasoning for change. Also, it is a short-term vision. This goal is driven by the here and now. It is based on the feeling today of the debt burden. This will not succeed because it’s not sustainable long-term. You could put a budget into place and not spend for weeks or maybe even a couple of months. Although, once you pay that credit card off, you could say “well, my balance is down, and I would really like to have that new thing.”

In the second example, you want to experience a life. That is powerful! Also, you stated that you want freedom and not constant consumerism. Finally, you will own each day and not let your day own you. This is controlling your emotions. This strong why will set the tone for achieving your best life. You will realize that you can simply ask yourself a question when making any decisions: Dos this help me achieve my best life?