Whether you’re just beginning your wellness journey or are continuing down the path to a healthier lifestyle, one thing is certain: knowing your why can be the difference between success and giving up. We all know how easy it is to start strong and get excited about making healthy changes. But as life gets busy, old habits creep back in, and motivation fades, it’s your deeper, more personal why that will keep you going.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the importance of understanding the why behind your health goals, how it can provide you with the motivation to push through challenging times, and why it’s a game-changer in staying consistent and committed to the long haul.
Why Choosing a Health-Related Goal is More Than Just a Resolution
When you decide to make changes to your lifestyle, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new resolution. It could be anything from losing weight, exercising more, eating better, improving your mental health, or even sleeping better. But when the initial rush of enthusiasm fades away, many people abandon their health goals before seeing real results.
The answer lies in one simple yet powerful motivator: purpose. The most successful people on a health journey have a strong, deeply rooted reason (your why) for making the change. It’s not about simply choosing a goal for the sake of it or because someone else said you should. It’s about understanding the real why behind your choice, which taps into your values, your lifestyle, and your emotional motivations. It is your purpose for pursing something.
By understanding these terms, you can better connect your actions to a deeper meaning and create a solid foundation for your health goals.
Let’s look at the difference between a surface-level goals and a deeply rooted reason.
Surface-Level Goals vs. Root Reason
Surface-level goals focus on immediate outcomes, like “losing 10 pounds” or “getting stronger,” but without deeper emotional reasons, they may lose their significance during challenges. While these goals can provide a target and a sense of accomplishment, true motivation comes from root reasons that connect emotionally. For example, you may want to lose weight to feel more confident or to live a long, healthy life. These deeper motivations – feeling more confident or living a long, healthy life – create lasting meaning, helping you stay consistent even when it gets tough.
The Power of the Why: A Catalyst for Motivation
Understanding your why is essential for long-term motivation. While motivation can fluctuate due to factors like physical state or time, a deeper purpose fuels lasting drive. For example, someone starting a fitness routine might initially want to “look better,” but by exploring further, they may realize their true goal is to feel more energized and healthy. This deeper motivation keeps them consistent, as it’s not just about appearance, but about feeling good and creating the life they desire.
Studies on motivation and behavior change consistently show that understanding the why behind a goal is essential for long-term commitment. A study by Ryan & Deci (2000) found that people who are intrinsically motivated to pursue health goals (such as exercising for health benefits rather than external rewards) are more likely to continue those behaviors over time. The deeper connection to one’s personal purpose serves as a powerful motivator during challenging times.
Your Why Helps You Stay Consistent
Maintaining consistency in a healthy lifestyle can be tough, especially when life gets unpredictable. However, when your goal is rooted in a deeper purpose, you’ll stay more committed. Here’s how knowing your why helps:
Here’s how knowing your why can help you stay consistent:
- It Creates a Clear Vision
A defined why gives you a clear vision, keeping you grounded and focused, even when results don’t come immediately. If your goal is to improve your health long-term, it’s easier to stay on track despite setbacks. - It Makes Effort Feel Worthwhile
When your actions are driven by a deep reason, the effort feels rewarding. For example, if your why is to have more energy for your family, every small step becomes a victory. - It Helps You Push Through Setbacks
Life will throw challenges your way, but with a strong why, you’ll see setbacks as temporary obstacles, not reasons to quit. - It Turns Challenges into Growth
A deeper connection to your goals allows you to reframe challenges as growth opportunities. Instead of seeing a missed workout as failure, you’ll use it as a chance to adjust and move forward with renewed determination.
How to Find Your Why
If you’re unsure of your why, don’t worry—discovering it takes self-reflection. Here’s how to find your deeper motivation:
- Ask Yourself “Why” Repeatedly
Start with a surface-level goal, like “I want to lose weight,” then ask “Why?” after each answer until you reach a core reason. For example, you may start with, “I don’t feel good about my body,” but ultimately discover, “I want to feel confident and energized to be present with my family.” - Consider Your Values
Think about what matters most to you. Do you value longevity? Want to feel good and take care of yourself? Identifying your core values helps you connect to a deeper reason for your goal. - Visualize the End Result
Imagine how you’ll feel once you’ve achieved your goal. Visualizing the positive impact on your life and relationships can clarify your deeper motivations. - Write It Down
Writing down your goals and reasons makes them clearer. Keep your why visible as a daily reminder to stay focused.
Staying Committed to the Journey
Whether you’re starting or continuing your health journey, knowing your why keeps you motivated and consistent.
Short-term challenges are inevitable, but a strong sense of purpose will help you stay focused and make lasting changes.
Your journey and your why are unique—take time to discover what drives you and let that be the anchor to keep you moving forward.
With deeper motivation, you’ll have the energy and determination to progress one step at a time.
Stay focused, stay committed, and remember why you started.
References:
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
- Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting and Task Motivation. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705-717.
- Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
