Connecting Your 'Why' To Your Goals
Why are some people knocking their goals out of the park, while others are kicking them to the curb? Every day we see others kickin' butt at something and it can make us question our commitment or dedication, question our drive, our energy, our discipline. We've all been there at one point in our lives and many still are. The challenge so many people face is when they come nose to nose with their desire and their commitment. Everyone has desires, hopes, goals and dreams, but most people want the convenience of transformation without the inconvenience. Why is that? I believe the reason lies perfectly positioned in the question. Why.
I suspect one of the biggest reasons so many inspired people don't reach their goals, is because they haven't discovered their why. Why do I want to lose weight? Why do I want to eat better? Why do I want to be physically fit? Why do I want to be a better parent, spouse or person? Why do I want to start my own business? Why is this change I need so badly worthwhile? Why.
My why is what drives me, what gives me purpose, what gives me my greatest satisfaction, my sense of contribution to the greater good. These reasons drive my choices, my actions, my dedication and my discipline. Without it I wouldn't have the meaning behind my actions, I wouldn't feel a sense of purpose or have a driving force to succeed.
Every one of us is motivated by something different. For me it's the animals. My desire to not cause them any harm or contribute to their suffering, while doing what I can to advocate for them is my driving force. When I first decided to go vegan, resisting cheese was the most difficult for me. I was used to enjoying it, I had wine and cheese nights with the girls, I put it on my salads, my dinner...pretty much on or with everything. It was something I'd 'always done' and it was a challenge to give it up. But after a few internal battles, finding new vegan cheese to enjoy and creating new habits, the struggle faded. I also know that every bite of dairy cheese I no longer consume, contributes to less animal suffering. To me, that's a reason good enough for me. My why feels powerful, keeps me on track and makes it easy to say no and continue on.
So many people won't become who they want, because they are so attached to who they've been. I've heard so many times, "I've always been this way", or "this is the way it's always been done" and sadly these are excuses not to try, not to live outside of ones comfort zone. Without leaving our comfort zones, we deprive ourselves of reaching new heights in life.
Everyone has a why, sometimes it's buried deeper than we'd like and sometimes it's right under our noses, but we haven't given it the chance to flourish. Every day it's important to remind yourself of who you want to be and what you are working towards. Try not to get too far ahead of yourself, setting goals that are beyond your first step. The trick is to embody your why and then just get on that first step. Don't look to the top of the staircase at your end goal, just get on that first step. It's possible to achieve the goal you're after if you have the courage to be open, be kind and forgiving to yourself. If you tuck your why deep into your spirit and let it guide you.
Always remember, it's possible. You have the power to not only inspire yourself, but everyone around you. I wish you the very best on your personal journey to wherever you are headed!
xo Sarah
