What does“Why?” have to do with motivation anyway?


Dec 20, 2021

 by Hannah Bouldin
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Before we begin working with clients, we typically have a couple of conversations to figure out if we’re a good fit for each other. One of those conversations is a quick phone consult, and then we set up an in-person consult at the studio. During those conversations, we begin with the following questions:

  • What are your fitness/nutrition goals?

  • Why?

Often we hear things like the following:

  • I want to lose ___ pounds.

  • I want to fit into the jeans I wore in high school.

  • I want to lose fat.

  • I want to tone up.

Those are valid goals, but we need to dig a little deeper and get to the “WHY?

  • Why do you want to lose _____ pounds?

  • Why do you want to fit into those jeans you wore in high school?

  • Why do you want to lose fat?

  • Why do you want to tone up?

Often those responses come back looking something like this:

  • I want to feel better.

  • I want to be able to enjoy life.

  • I want to be able to keep up with my kids/grandkids.

  • I want to be able to travel and live life on my terms. 

Sometimes these conversations go much deeper, but you get the gist of them. Why do we drill down deeper to find out “WHY?” Because you’re much more likely to stay consistent when you have an emotional connection to your reason. 

Do you know what the key to success is? Consistency. Taking daily action that will move you closer to your goal(s). How do you take daily action once the shiny new phase has worn off and the real work begins? By remembering your “WHY?” and keeping it front and center in your mind and environment. Remembering your “WHY?” can help you exercise when you’d rather surf Facebook, watch Netflix, or hit snooze again. Small daily actions = massive results. Action inspires motivation. Motivation keeps you wanting more.