Are your “Why’s” stronger than your “Why Not’s”?

Oh how true that is! We have been given the wonderful gift of choice! Choices lead to actions and actions lead to results. Sometimes those results are desired and sometimes they are not. Have you found yourself in a situation of undesirable results lately? Maybe you are one to reach your desired results. Either way, have you asked yourself “why”?

Although I typically discuss health, nutrition and fitness, which is primarily what I will do today, the topic of choices, actions, results, and why’s can be applied to any aspect of your life.

Hence, I introduce to you, the “5 Why’s.

First ask yourself, “Why do I want to accomplish this?”

Then, whatever answer you come up with, ask yourself “Why” to that. Then continue to repeat this process until you have asked yourself “Why” 5 times.

Here is an example from Precision Nutrition’s lean eating program:

            I want to lose fat.

1.      Why do I want to lose fat?

a.       Because I want to fit into a smaller size pair of jeans.

2.      But why do I want to fit into a smaller size pair of jeans?

a.       Because when I am wearing smaller jeans, I think I’ll look better.

3.      But why do I want to look better?

a.       Because when I look good, I feel better about myself.

4.      But why do I want to feel better about myself?

a.       Because when I feel better about myself I am more assertive and confident.

5.      But why do I want to be more assertive and confident?

a.       Because when I am more assertive and confident, I am in control and better able to get what I want out of life.

For this person, losing fat really meant being in charge of their life. That’s a crucial insight: This tells us that they aren’t just looking for a smaller pair of jeans. They also want to feel a certain way at the end of the process. And that's what's really important to them. The jeans are merely a way to get there.

That sure is a lot of insight for just a few questions.

Digging deeper and understanding “Why” you really want something will help you determine the driving factors that will keep you committed to your actions giving you what you want.

For those that find themselves in the desired results category, I congratulate you! You have dug deep enough, found your reason “Why” and it was strong enough to overcome any of the “Why Not’s” that came up (because you know they did!).

As for those that find themselves in the undesirable results category, I congratulate you! You now have the opportunity to learn from past decisions, actions and results, create and explore a deeper “Why” and run headfirst after your desires!

Best of luck in your future Why’s and Why Not’s!

If the Team at the Health & Fitness Academy can be of assistance in anyway, please feel free to contact us at 208-557-2823!

Until next time,

Hayley Jones, BS, CSCS, Pn1

hjones@mvhospital.net