Every decision we make in our lives has a driving force- or a reason that lead us to a set of outcomes. Identifying the motives behind our decisions can strongly benefit the outcome and your success, simply by answering the question “Why?”
As silly and cliché as it may sound, it’s probably one of the most important things you can ask when you find yourself contemplating or trying to do the “right thing”. I believe a sense of purpose will not only give you a better understanding of your self worth and value but will better allow you to hold yourself accountable on those days that you struggle to feel motivated. Oftentimes we confuse MOTIVATION as the driving force but, “motivation” is simply a temporary feeling or a state of mind. And since we won’t always be in the same headspace; knowing WHY you’re on a specific path is (figuratively speaking) the compass that will lead you to your desired destination. When your decisions are influenced by your values you’re more likely to persevere than a decision made with little thought process or one highly influenced by an outside source.
How exactly? Well, when you’re acting on a decision based on extreme outside influence or to make someone else happy, are you really working towards your personal growth? Challenges and adversity will arise no matter what, but how/if you grow from those hurdles always comes back to your values/passions/motives. Will it make you or break you?
With that said, I encourage you to ask yourself the following before making any big decision:
- What are my core values? (Family, personal growth, financial security, long term health, etc)
- Am I doing this for me? (Why do I think this will make me happy?)
- Am I doing this to please someone important in my life? (ie: spouse, parent, partner)
- Am I doing this because it aligns with the views of society on what success and perfection look like (and may help me face less criticism and scrutiny)?
- What do I want to accomplish by making this decision? (is this a long term or short term outcome?)
- Am I willing to put in the work when struggles arise? (Is it worth the risk?)
After reading the questions above, think about decisions that you have made towards your future. How many of them are you able to say that you made for YOU? How many of them did you make to please someone else? Which decisions aligned with your personal values and which are you the most satisfied or have been the most successful with in the long term?
I bring up all of the points above because as a personal trainer I see this with clients and potential clients quite often and unsurprisingly, the ones who can thoughtfully answer WHY are significantly more successful than those who do it because they think that they “should”. You’re simply not going to work hard for something, (without doing some emotional and mental damage) that you don’t find value in. So… what’s the takeaway? It’s totally OK to be unsure, to question yourself, to need a little guidance but the bottom line is, finding that compass that will keep you heading in the right direction when you feel lost. Decisions are tough and life is hard, no doubt! Find your driving force, make decisions based on your values, embrace your fears because we’re human and there’s no getting rid of it. Do that and watch yourself grow! 🌱
AiRow Health & Fitness 