Motivation is bullshit. Seeking daily motivation to push that boulder up the hill, isn’t the best way to achieve what you want because as we all know, our enthusiasm runs out. If you’re relying on motivational youtube videos, inspirational quotes, pep talks, or special incentives to get you to move in the direction of something you say you want, then you’re doing yourself a disservice because you aren’t giving yourself what is necessary to succeed.

What you need is a better “why.” A reason deeper than, “I want to look good naked,” or “I want to be rich.” Statements like these are largely ambiguous, and can constantly be redefined to match your level of enthusiasm at any given time. Most often when you say things like this, what you truly want is to be attractive enough to find the love you desire, or to have enough money to live a life you deem comfortable. If you can uncover this deeper “why,” you’ll be able to be in the necessary effort, without a constant supply of motivation.

Unfortunately, finding that “why” won’t make the boulder go away, but it will replace your struggle with meaning. And, the more meaning we can bring to the process, the more successful we will be regardless of our endeavors. So, how can we find our “why”? Check out the following exercise, or download the PDF.

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Having a goal is great. Knowing why you want it is better. This exercise will help reveal the deeper motivations behind your goal. When you understand the real reasons why you want something to happen, it will help to overcome any obstacles you encounter along the way.

As you answer the following questions:

• Be honest about your intentions.

• Be curious about what’s beneath the surface.

• Be compassionate with yourself.

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1. WHY ARE YOU STARTING THIS JOURNEY?

2. WHY DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE THAT?

3. WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU?

4. WHY WILL THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

5. AND, WHY WILL THAT MATTER?