Why is such an important question.
For me, it is a ‘driver’ question and has a direct link to whether something will be achieved or not.
The stronger and more thought out your ‘why’, the more compelled you will be to achieve it.
The ‘why’ part of your goals are the PRIZE; the ultimate achievement – the reason why you set out to do something in the first place.
Simon Sinek’s excellent TEDTalk called ‘Start with Why’ neatly explains how Apple rose to be the global giant it is today. They knew what their ‘why’ was, totally believe in the vision and it drove them down the road to success.
The next time you are thinking you’d like to achieve something, I’d like you to spend x10 more time on your ‘why’ than your ‘how’. Once you’ve seen the vision, know why it’s important to you, you are more likely to achieve it. Can you hear, taste, feel and see how good it will be when you get there? Notice all those senses. Visualise yourself reaching that goal – then that will be your driver.
Next, list all the reasons why it’s important to you and don’t stop listing when you think you’ve come to the end of your ideas. Have a short break and then ask yourself to list another 10 more why’s.
And if you are working within a team, ensure the whole team buy-in to the ‘why’ too. Simon Sinek explains that beautifully in his TEDTalk
Otherwise, guess what? They will not be as committed and that dream/goal will not be realised.
So don’t let those goals/dreams get away – make sure you know your WHY and let it drive you forward.
Have fun!