One of the best lessons I learned last year was how asking oneself “WHY” can be a transformative tool for fostering clarity and direction in life.
I remember feeling utterly confused last month while planning my 2025 goals. Among my goals was the desire to learn a new skill—perhaps even transitioning to a new niche. But as exciting as it sounded, I lacked clarity. Unsure of where to start, I sought advice from my mentor. The very first question he asked me was, “Why do you want to learn a new skill? Why are you looking to transition to a new niche?” That question hit me hard. I was blank. Truthfully, I didn’t even know my own WHY. Funny, right? 😁 Have you experienced that before? I would love to learn from your experience.
That simple yet profound question shifted my perspective completely. It forced me to sit down, reflect, and reevaluate my goals. Our conversation became a turning point, helping me align my intentions and setting a solid foundation for my decisions. It reminded me of a timeless principle beautifully captured in Rudyard Kipling’s words:
“I keep six honest serving men. They taught me all I knew. Their names are: WHY, HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHO.”
Rudyard Kipling
This quote resonated deeply with me because it highlighted a common pattern: while many of us know what we want to do, and some of us may understand how to do it, few take the time to ask themselves why they are doing it in the first place. Ignoring this crucial step often leads to aimless efforts and unfulfilled goals.
One piece of advice from my mentor that stuck with me was: “If you don’t know WHY you’re doing it, don’t do it.” The why is not just another question; it is the foundation that fuels our drive, aligns our efforts, and enhances our chances of success. It provides the resolve to persevere, improve, and pursue what truly makes us happy.
In Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David, the author explains the four levels of “WHY,” which are critical to understanding our motivations and navigating life effectively:
- Survival: The most basic level of motivation, where your WHY revolves around meeting your fundamental needs, such as food, shelter, and safety. It’s the instinctual drive to stay afloat in life.
- Status: At this level, the WHY is tied to recognition, validation, and achieving a sense of accomplishment. It’s about building an identity that others respect.
- Freedom: This is the desire for independence—to make choices, control your time, and live life on your own terms. Here, your WHY revolves around breaking free from constraints and creating opportunities.
- Purpose: The highest level of motivation, where the WHY transcends personal needs and becomes about serving a cause greater than yourself. Purpose-driven individuals are guided by a deep sense of meaning, aiming to create a legacy that impacts others positively.
Understanding where your WHY lies on these levels can help you make better decisions, align your goals with your values, and achieve outcomes that bring true fulfillment. For example, if your WHY is rooted in purpose, your decisions will naturally focus on service, contribution, and long-term impact, rather than short-term gains.
By consistently asking yourself why in every situation—whether it’s setting goals, making career changes, or navigating relationships—you’ll gain clarity and focus. This habit can help you move from just surviving to thriving, from seeking validation to achieving freedom, and ultimately, to living with purpose.
Asking WHY is not just about finding answers—it’s about uncovering your true intentions, aligning your actions with your values, and giving your life meaning. It’s a compass that helps you navigate through uncertainties and challenges. When you take the time to understand your motivations, you unlock the ability to achieve bigger things and create a life of clarity and purpose. So, as you set out to tackle your goals and ambitions, remember to ask yourself this simple yet powerful question: “Why?” It might just change everything.