What do you want to achieve this year? Most people have a goal or dream in mind, but knowing your WHAT is the easy part.

I want to get a new job. 

I want to lose 30 pounds.

I want to travel more.  

I want to run a marathon. 

A strong WHY is essential to achieving your goals.

Sometimes we pursue goals because we feel we ‘should,’ but these often lack personal meaning. A true goal stems from a genuine desire, not external expectations.

We should want to run a marathon because all our friends are into running. But you hate to run. 

We should want to lose weight because that’s what society says looks good. But you’re honestly happy with your body and how you look. 

We should want to get a new job because that’s just the next step. Even though you like where you are. 

We should want to travel more because they say travel broadens the mind. But the thought a getting on a plane causes you extreme anxiety. 

We should stop drinking because, duh, it’s really bad for you. But that glass of wine after a long day is so good and that cold beer at the pool hits the spot every time. 

If you make a goal and you really want to achieve that goal you need to know your why. 

Now that we’ve explored the importance of aligning goals with your WHY, here’s a simple exercise to help you identify the goals that truly matter

The WHAT and WHY Exercise

• Grab a paper and pen and divide the paper down the middle. 

• On the top write WHAT and on the other side WHY. 

• Under WHAT write out some of your goals. Really take a minute and write down your goals so you can see them. 

• Once you’ve written them out think about WHY you want those things. Be really honest with yourself. Think about how you would feel if you DIDN’T achieve those goals or how good it would feel if you did. 

Personal Examples of Success and Failure

WHAT: Strength training at least 3 days a week. 

WHY: Because I have never been very strong, and I know that as I get older my muscle mass decreases if I don’t take care of myself. I have watched people in my family decline in their health as they age. They become frail, gain weight, are diagnosed with diabetes and other illnesses. I do not want that life. I want to live a long life and be healthy and enjoy it. I want to be around for my husband and children as long as possible. So while I might not always enjoy strength training, my WHY makes me feel committed to achieving my goal because if I don’t I know I am not doing everything I can to be my healthiest.  

Here is an example of a goal I had that didn’t pan out because my WHY really wasn’t a priority to me. 

WHAT: I wanted to be more active in my photo challenge group on Facebook and post a photo every day.

WHY: Because I love photography and taking pictures. It is just fun to share images and see how others interpret the prompts.

We are almost to the end of January, I already failed that goal. I visit the group daily to see everyone’s photos, but I don’t always post one myself because I get caught up in my day. 

You know what? That’s ok. I don’t get down on myself about it because I knew if I didn’t achieve that goal it really wouldn’t affect anything in my life. I know the goals I am really passionate about and have a strong WHY are all still on track. 

Ultimately, achieving your goals isn’t just about setting them—it’s about understanding the deeper reasons behind them. With a clear WHY, you’ll find the motivation to stay committed and the freedom to let go of what doesn’t truly matter. Start small, stay honest, and keep revisiting your WHY—it’s the key to long-term success.

Right after I finished writing this blog post I was about to start my exercise routine for the day and this podcast was first on my play list. It is a perfect listen for this post!