Stephen Covey is a renowned author and motivational speaker who emphasized the importance of understanding our “why” in his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Covey’s quote, “The most important thing in life is to find your why,” highlights the significance of discovering our purpose and how it can guide us towards a fulfilling life.
After my spinal surgery, I was left with a sense of vulnerability and a deep desire to regain control over my physical health. I had always been on the heavier side, but after the surgery, I knew that it was more important than ever to take charge of my body and my overall well-being. I tried various methods of weight loss in the past, but nothing seemed to stick until I stumbled upon the concept of understanding my “why”.
By truly reflecting on my motivation for wanting to lose weight, I was able to tap into a deeper sense of purpose that went beyond just wanting to look good. I realized that losing weight was not just about fitting into smaller clothes or impressing others; it was about improving my health, managing my chronic pain, and ensuring that I could lead an active and fulfilling life for years to come.
Understanding my “why” was the missing piece of the puzzle that helped me stay motivated and committed to my weight loss journey. It gave me the drive and passion needed to stick with my healthy habits, even on days when I felt discouraged or unmotivated.
Through this experience, I realized that understanding our “why” is essential not just for achieving our physical health goals, but for all areas of our lives. When we are connected to our purpose and our values, we are more likely to take action and make decisions that align with our deepest desires and aspirations.
How to determine your “why”:
- Write a vision statement: Visualize where you see yourself in the future and create a plan to achieve it. (Check out my article on writing a vision statement)
- Define your core values and beliefs: Identify what is important to you and what drives your decision-making.
- Determine what you want to accomplish in life: Set long-term goals and break them down into smaller achievable steps.
- Reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind: Consider what you want to be remembered for and how you can make a positive impact.
- Make it relevant: After defining all the above, tie your goals to your personal values and beliefs to give them meaning and purpose.
The difference between a good “why” and a bad “why” about losing weight is significant. A bad “why” might be, “I want to lose weight so I look good.” This reason is surface-level and lacks any deeper meaning. On the other hand, a good “why” for losing weight might be, “I want to lose weight because I have lower back pain. I’m borderline diabetic. I’m obese and feel drained. I want to have less weight on my spine to help with my spinal recovery. I want to improve on my diet and be fit so that I feel more energetic and have more stamina.” This reason has more depth and meaning, which can provide greater motivation and drive towards reaching the goal.
In conclusion, discovering your “why” is essential to leading a fulfilling life. By understanding your purpose and creating a plan to achieve your goals, you can unlock your full potential and live a life that aligns with your values and beliefs. As Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Remember that the journey to discovering your “why” may take time, but it is worth the effort to live a life with purpose.
When setting goals, it’s crucial to make them SMART, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The “R” in SMART goals stands for Relevant, which ties into understanding your “why.” When you understand who you want to be, what matters to you, and the impact you want to make, then you can identify how the objective you want to achieve is relevant to your life. (Check out my article on writing a SMART goal)
If you’re struggling to find your “why” or need help achieving your goals, I can help. As an accountability coach, I offer a 12-week program designed to help you create a vision statement and set 4 SMART goals that are relevant to your life. With my guidance and support, you can achieve your full potential and live a more fulfilling life. Contact me today to learn more.