Have you ever been so excited to set a new goal, only to find yourself struggling to stick with it weeks or months later?
I recently set a step goal for myself because I know the importance of daily movement. At first, I was really excited. Part of my “why” was so that my feet wouldn’t hurt so much on our upcoming vacation. I knew we’d be walking a lot, and since I work at a sit-down job, it’s usually a big shift that my body isn’t ready for. So, I set a SMART goal and got started.
But over time, I started slipping. I blamed my job for being too busy. I told myself my phone wasn’t tracking my steps correctly—surely I had more steps than it said! I didn’t carry it with me half the day, right? Before I knew it, my vacation was only a week away, and I had completely dropped my step goal.
I had forgotten my “why.”
Luckily, it wasn’t too late. I had a week to get back on track—maybe not perfectly, but at least partially. And it reminded me how important my “why” really is.
Why Your “Why” Matters
At the beginning of any new journey, momentum feels easy. You’re fired up. You’ve got energy. But as time goes on, life happens. Things get busy. Routines change. Motivation fades.
If you don’t have a strong reason—a “why”—it becomes incredibly hard to stay committed once the initial excitement wears off.
Your “why” is your anchor. It’s the reason you started and the motivation that keeps you grounded when things get tough. Without it, goals lose meaning, and it becomes easy to let them slide.
What Happens When You Don’t Have a “Why”?
Without a clear and personal reason for your goal, it’s easy for several things to happen:
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Lose focus and start skipping steps.
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Make excuses when things get inconvenient.
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Feel disconnected from your original purpose.
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Quit altogether, thinking the goal wasn’t that important to begin with.
And if that’s already happened to you, don’t worry! It happens to everyone. The good news is, it’s never too late to find your “why.”
What Can Your “Why” Be?
Your “why” doesn’t have to be huge or dramatic. It just has to matter to you.
Here are a few examples of different types of “why” motivations:
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Health – Focusing on overall well-being and making self-care a priority.
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Family – Wanting to be present and engaged with loved ones.
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Confidence – Building self-esteem and feeling empowered in daily life.
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Freedom – Seeking the ability to do what you love without physical limitations.
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Longevity – Aiming to maintain independence and stay active long-term.
Your reason might be short-term, like feeling better on vacation, or it could be long-term, like protecting your future health. Either way, your “why” matters.
Questions to Help You Find Your “Why”
If you’re not sure what your “why” is, here are a few questions to get you thinking:
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Why did I start this goal in the first place?
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How will this improve my daily life?
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What will I feel like if I achieve this goal?
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Who will benefit from my success?
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What would I regret if I don’t stick with it?
Take a moment to reflect and write down your answers. It’s a powerful step toward lasting motivation.
How to Remember Your “Why”
Once you’ve found your “why,” the key is to keep it front and center. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget—even with the best intentions.
Here are a few simple ways to keep your “why” at the top of your mind:
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Write it down and stick it on your mirror, fridge, or computer—someplace you’ll see it every day.
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Use it as your phone background, or set a reminder to pop up daily.
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Create a visual reminder, like a photo or quote that symbolizes your goal.
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Say it out loud, like telling a friend or partner to help solidify it.
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Revisit it regularly as it might evolve over time. That’s okay. Keep checking in with it.
Motivation Fades, But Purpose Stays
If you’ve lost track of your goal, or if you never had a clear “why” to begin with, it’s not too late. Take a breath, go back to the beginning, and rediscover your reason. When your motivation runs low, your “why” will carry you through.
And remember—you don’t have to do it alone. Having someone to check in with can make a big difference! An accountability partner can help remind you of your “why” when you forget and encourage you to keep going when things get tough.
You’ve got this!
