Why Is The Way

The power of knowing your why.

I'm going to say something a little controversial, but hear me out:

Starting a fitness routine isn't that hard.

Now, I'm not saying that it's easy... but if you have ever started a fitness routine and then fallen off, you know exactly what I mean.

Starting is the easy part, sticking with it is another story.

What do we do when work gets chaotic?

What about when we get sick?

Or what about when we have made some progress, so we feel a little less bad about where we are at... We have been eating so healthy, so we deserve the extra slice of pizza, right??

This is why we need a why.

The reason most people give up on their goals isn’t because they don’t have the ability, time, or motivation. It's because the driving forces behind their goals are not clear or not powerful enough.

Our why is the internal motivation that gives meaning to our efforts and fuels our commitment to pursue a goal, even when obstacles arise.

Let's take, for example, a hypothetical person who wants to lose 10 lbs:

If their why sounds something like this:

"Because my coworker is really fit and I want to look like them."

"Because my high school reunion is coming up and I want everyone to to see how fit I am."

"Because I used to be leaner, and I feel like that's what my body should look like."

...then they might make progress for a month. Maybe two, tops.

Because cheeseburgers tastes better than any of the external validation we think we want.

But if their why sounds something like this:

"Because my Grandpa died young from a heart attack, and I want to live a long, healthy life."

"Because I want to be fit enough to run around with my kids and grandkids."

"Because I want to continuously prove to myself that I am capable of doing hard things."

...then they will have reason to keep going when things get tough. They will be more likely to overcome the obstacles, and have success in the long run.

HOW TO FIND YOUR WHY

First, understand that a good, solid why has some key components:

• Emotionally charged – It connects to how you feel, not just what you think.

• Personal – It's unique to you, shaped by your experiences, values, and desires.

• Grounding – It keeps you focused when motivation fades or challenges show up.

• Purposeful – It helps you move with intention, rather than out of obligation or pressure.

Next, ask yourself these 5 questions. Take your time, look inward, and be honest:

1. What moment made you realize it was time for change? (Think back to the turning point that sparked your desire to improve your health or habits.)

2. Who else benefits when you take care of yourself? (Consider the people in your life who are impacted when you’re at your best.)

3. What’s something you never want to feel again? (Identify a pain point or low moment that motivates you to keep moving forward.)

4. What are you afraid might happen if you don’t take action now? (Be honest about the consequences of staying stuck or delaying change.)

5. What would success feel like—not just physically, but emotionally? (Visualize how achieving your goal would impact your confidence, mindset, and overall well-being.)

Then, put it all together. Use your reflections to write a simple, honest statement that captures why improving your health matters to you:

"I want to make change because ___"