How many times have you said “I’m going to or I want to. . .” Maybe you want to lose 10 pounds, or you want to eat out less often. Maybe you are going to walk more, or you want to spend more time with family, or you are going to work on getting better sleep. These are intentions that are often set as goals. But how many times have you put these aside and nothing changes only to feel frustrated and feel like things will never change even though you have the best intentions.

What is it that makes some goals easier to achieve than others? All too often the focus is put on what you want to do and how to do but little attention is given to why you want to do it.

Think about a goal you accomplished in the past. You figured out what you wanted to do and how to do it. You were committed to it; you took action and gave it your time and energy. You gave up things to gain something of greater value. You stuck with it even when it was tough at times.

Now, take that same goal and think about why it was important to you. What about that goal was so valuable to you that you did whatever was needed to reach that goal? Why did it mean so much to you?

Finding your why can take time. For every reason you give, ask yourself “why” again and again. Continue to do this until you get to the true meaning and purpose behind the goal. As you do this, you may notice your emotions, values, and beliefs will start to surface. Here’s what this can look like:

• Jenny wants to lose 10 pounds.
  Why?
• She doesn’t want to have to try on 3-4 pair of pants to find one pair that actually fits.
  Why?
• She wants to feel comfortable and look good in her clothes.
  Why?
• She wants to feel confident and not be reminded of failed attempts at weight loss.

Now we get to the real reason for the goal. This is a simple process that will help you prioritize your goals. It is time well spent and is an investment in YOU.

A goal with a strong purpose leads to greater success. Put your energy into the goals where you feel driven to carry out no matter what! Those are the goals that once achieved will last a lifetime. Hold off on those without a strong enough why and save it for a later date. You will know when the time is right to put them into action.

Your why is your guide. The how and what may be a bit unclear but once you know your reason and purpose for doing what you want to do, all the rest will fall into place.

Find Your WHY and You’ll Find Your WAY

~ John C. Maxwell