The Secret to Achieving Your Goals

Working tirelessly to achieve a higher income, convinced it will lead to happiness, is a common belief people operate from, but interestingly, if you were to ask them why they want more money, they might give a list of things, but as the conversation progresses, there is are situations were we might stumble upon conflicting beliefs about their want for more money. For example, one thought I have come across often is, "money is the root of all evil". This contradiction is not uncommon and highlights a fundamental issue: many of us chase after goal like more money without fully understanding the reasons behind them.

Why do we do what we do? Why do we want what we want? These questions are not just philosophical musings; they are the keys to unlocking a life of fulfillment and purpose. They are at the heart of achieving your goal, sustaining success.

Lets explore the transformative power of uncovering the true motivations behind our goals, and how it can lead to a more meaningful achievements and personal satisfaction.

Why Knowing Your 'Why' Changes Everything

The simple question of 'Why' has been the engine behind humanity's most remarkable achievements. It's the curiosity that led early humans to explore new lands, the drive that prompted scientists to unravel the mysteries of the universe, and the spark that fuels every innovation, from Newton’s contemplation of a falling apple to life-changing medical discoveries. Think about it:

• Newton asking “Why does an apple fall?” led to our understanding of gravity.
• Someone wondering “Why does food spoil?” uncovered bacteria and revolutionized medicine and preservation.

Asking 'Why' is like striking a match in the dark—it’s small, but it lights up everything around you. This one question has powered some of humanity’s biggest leaps forward. But it’s not just about scientific breakthroughs. Asking 'Why' is just as transformative on a personal level. When you understand your 'Why,' everything changes:

• Your goals become more aligned with your values.
• Your actions feel purposeful.
• Success doesn’t just look good—it feels good.

It’s your compass, cutting through the noise and pointing you toward what truly matters.

How 'Why' works Its Magic

At its core, 'Why' is your guide through the messiness of life. It’s what helps you move beyond surface-level desires to uncover what you truly care about. Here’s how 'Why' works its magic:

• It satisfies curiosity: Ever notice how kids ask 'Why' a million times? They’re not being annoying, they’re figuring out the world.
• It reveals the hidden: Whether it’s understanding DNA or uncovering your own motivations, 'Why' digs deep.
• It fuels the search: It keeps you striving for growth and self-improvement.
• It adds meaning: Even mundane tasks feel significant when you know why you’re doing them.
• It sparks change: Asking 'Why' is often the first step to creating something new—or breaking down something outdated.

But let’s be real—finding your 'Why' isn’t always easy. It means peeling back layers of expectations, societal norms, and even those sneaky little lies we tell ourselves.

DIY: Check The 'Why' behind Your Goal

Discovering your 'Why' can be a profound journey of self-discovery that doesn't always require external guidance. There are steps you can take on your own to start uncovering the deeper motivations behind your goals. This DIY approach encourages introspection and can serve as a valuable self-coaching tool. Here's a simple yet powerful exercise to help you begin this journey:

The 5 Whys Technique

1. Start with a Goal: Choose a goal or desire you have. It could be anything from a career aspiration to a personal improvement goal.
2. Ask Why: Ask yourself why this goal is essential to you. Write down the answer.
3. Dig Deeper: Take the answer you've just written and ask "Why?" again, seeking the deeper reason behind the first answer.
4. Repeat: Continue this process, asking "Why?" five times. Each time, try to delve deeper into your motivations and desires.
5. Reflect: By the fifth "Why?", you should have reached a more fundamental understanding of your motivation behind the goal. Reflect on this discovery and consider how it aligns with your values and your life's direction.

Example-1: Place of Wholeness

Goal: "I want to get promoted to a senior position."

1. Why? "Because I want to earn more money."
2. Why? "Because I want financial security for my family."
3. Why? "Because ensuring my family is taken care of and happy is my top priority."
4. Why? "Because my family's well-being gives me a sense of accomplishment and peace."
5. Why? "Because I value success in my personal life as much as in my professional life."

See how much depth that brings? Suddenly, it’s not just about a promotion—it’s about building a balanced life that supports both work and family. This realization can reshape how you approach your goal, focusing not just on the promotion but on creating a career that allows for personal fulfilment and family happiness.

Example-2: Place of Fear

Goal: "I want to get promoted to a senior position."

1. Why? "Because I want to earn more money."
2. Why? "Because I want to afford a better lifestyle and provide more opportunities for my family."
3. Why? "Because I believe providing the best for my family shows that I love and care for them."
4. Why? "Because I worry that if I don't give them the best, they'll feel neglected or that I don't value them."
5. Why? "Because deep down, I fear not being a good enough parent/partner, and I seek external success to validate my worth.

Here, the series of 'Why' reveals a deep-seated insecurity and a need for validation. This realization can help you pause and ask yourself, Do I truly want that promotion, or is there another goal that addresses the root of my fear more directly?

Understanding your 'Why' can save you countless hours, energy, and emotional effort chasing something that might not bring the fulfillment you are seeking for in the first place. Instead, it allows you to realign your focus on goals that genuinely resonate with your values and help you grow beyond the fear.

Why do I do what I do?

Uncovering your 'Why' is a journey. Sometimes it’s simple; sometimes it feels like an emotional workout. But whether you’re tackling it on your own or with the help of a coach, the rewards are worth it: clarity, purpose, and a sense of alignment that changes how you live and work.

So, here’s your next step: Ask yourself, Why do I do what I do? Keep asking until you get to the heart of it. You might just discover the key to a life that feels as good as it looks.