Ah, the excitement of starting a fresh, brand new project! All that energy, motivation, and hope keeps you going strong in the “honeymoon” phase of your latest venture.
But once the initial excitement starts to fade and you hit the “messy middle” phase, things can go from “sizzle” to “fizzle” in a hurry. Things that felt easy now feel tough, progress slows, and doubts start to creep in. You might even be feeling like it’s time to abandon ship.
I totally understand that feeling. Some of my own personal examples include:
- Starting my self-publishing business on KDP
- Starting my own YouTube Channel
- Launching my first digital course
Sometimes it’s reassuring just to hear that other people go through this too. It’s not just you! We all experience it.
Through it all, though, when life happens and things get tough, reconnecting with my “why” has always been my life preserver. It’s what’s kept me afloat and kept me pushing past the obstacles and on track toward my goals. And I’ve got good news…it can work for you, too.
If you’re having a tough time taking action on a big goal right now, this one’s for you! I’ll help you reconnect with your “why” so you can take that next step and finally achieve your awesome dream you totally deserve.
You can check out the video below or read on for a summary of everything I discuss.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means—at zero cost to you—I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!)
What is Your Why?
When I talk about your “why,” I’m really talking about that special something that gets you all fired up to chase your dreams. It’s your personal mission statement, one that gives you a sense of destination and keeps you going even when things get tough.
Every single person has their own unique “why.” It’s about your passions, what you value, and what you really want out of life. When you know your “why” and keep it top of mind, you’ll find it so much easier to stay focused and excited about reaching your goals.
5 Steps for Recapturing Your Why
Ready to reconnect with your “why” and get back on track with your goals? In this section, I’ll walk you through 5 simple steps to recapture that motivation and keep your eye on the prize. With a little self-reflection, some strategic planning, and a support system of like-minded people, you’ll be well on your way to making your dreams a reality. Let’s dive in!
1. Is Your Goal Something You Truly Want to Achieve in the First Place?
It’s time to have a heart-to-heart with yourself. Grab a cup of tea or coffee, get comfy, and think about your goal. Ask yourself, “Is this something I truly want to achieve?” You want to make sure the goal you’ve set for yourself isn’t just a whim or something you’re doing because someone else thinks you should.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when setting goals is not understanding how achieving their goals will contribute to their long-term success and happiness.
As a side note, regularly making time to just sit and think is a great habit because it gives your mind space to reflect. Mastering the skill of listening to yourself can be difficult, but once you do it can reap big rewards.
For more powerful habits, check out 10 High-Leverage Millionaire Habits That You Can Implement Right Now to Become More Successful.
2. Ask Yourself Why You Want to Achieve This Goal
So you’ve figured out that your goal is in line with your long-term happiness and success. Awesome! Now it’s time to go a little deeper and discover the “why” behind your goal. You know, that special something that sets your heart on fire.
Ask yourself what about this goal gets you super excited. Is it personal growth, making a difference in the lives of others, or creating something truly meaningful? Uncovering your “why” is like finding a secret weapon to help you push through tough times and setbacks.
Don’t be afraid to really dig into the heart of your goal. Remember, the goal itself is often a stepping stone to something even bigger. What’s the ultimate destination for you? Health? Financial freedom? For instance, if owning a business is your goal, what does that represent to you? It’s all about finding that emotional spark that drives you.
Make a habit of reminding yourself of your “why” every day using clear, concise statements. As Simon Sinek says, “Working hard for something we do not care about is called stress, working hard for something we love is called passion.” Make sure you’re fueled by passion as you work towards your goals!
3. What’s at Stake If I Don’t Achieve This Goal?
Understanding the consequences of not achieving your goal can be a powerful motivator. Consider the potential impact on your personal and professional life, as well as potential missed opportunities. By recognizing what’s at stake, you’ll be more likely to remain committed to your goal and push through obstacles.
Fear-setting is a great exercise to help you tease out what’s at stake for you. You can check out this video where I walk you step by step through a fear-setting exercise.
4. Record Your Goal and Review It Daily
To keep your “why” at the forefront of your mind, write down your goal and review it daily. By constantly reminding yourself of your purpose, you’ll maintain your focus and motivation.
You can keep your goals in a simple notebook or in a helpful planner such as Michael Hyatt’s Full Focus Planner, which has space for annual, quarterly, and weekly goals.
You can also create visual reminders like vision boards or use goal-setting apps to help reinforce your commitment.
5. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People Who Will Support You and Avoid Those Who Try to Dissuade You
The people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your ability to achieve your goals. Spend time among people who share your ambitions and can provide support, encouragement, and guidance.
Want to start your own business? Hang around with fellow business owners who are open to sharing their personal experiences creating and managing their own businesses.
Joining or creating a mastermind group consisting of like-minded individuals is a great way to support and be supported by business owners. You might even make some great business connections! For help with starting your own mastermind group, check out my article, How To Start A Mastermind Group | Fast Track Your Personal and Professional Growth.
Conversely, avoid those who might discourage you or undermine your efforts. By surrounding yourself with a supportive network, you’ll be more likely to stay on track and remain inspired.
Understanding your “why” is the key to unlocking your true potential and achieving your goals. By reflecting on your aspirations, uncovering your motivations, recognizing the consequences of inaction, reviewing your goals daily, and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, you’ll be well on your way to living a purpose-driven life.
Embrace your “why” and let it guide you toward success, fulfillment, and personal growth. Remember, your “why” is unique to you, so cherish it, nurture it, and use it as the fuel that powers your journey to greatness.
If you’re an aspiring online entrepreneur and you feel like you could use a little help mapping out your first steps, download my free guide, “The 4-Step ‘No Time to Waste’ Online Business Start-Up Blueprint.”
You’re also invited to join my free Facebook group, Rachel’s Sandbox.
If you’re looking for help with low-content publishing, be sure to download my free guide, 3 Steps to Publishing Your First Low-Content Book in Less Than a Day. You can join my free Facebook Group, Low-Content Profits, for extra support.
