Discovering Your “Why”: The Key to Staying Disciplined 🌟
It’s almost February 2025. By now, I’m sure your social media feeds and FYP have been flooded with motivational quotes, captions telling you to “lock-in,” and vision boards galore. Maybe you’re part of the group that hit the ground running on January 1st, feeling excited about a fresh start. Or maybe you’re like me, feeling a bit behind the curve, not quite ready to make a big declaration of change.
In all honesty, New Year’s resolutions and vision boards look great on paper, but they’re not always helpful if you don’t understand why you’re doing it. If you ever find yourself feeling unmotivated or setting vague goals like “get a new job,” “lose weight,” or “eat healthier” without feeling emotionally connected to them, it might be time to shift your perspective!
Before setting goals, try tapping into your intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is about doing something for the joy, fulfillment, or personal satisfaction it brings, as opposed to an external pressure or reward. For example, you might go on an afternoon walk not JUST to burn calories, but because you know it helps you clear your mind and avoid an afternoon slump. Or maybe you prioritize meal prepping not just to “eat healthy,” but because having nutritious meals on hand makes your busy days less stressful.
A great way to uncover your intrinsic motivation is through journaling. When you’re considering making changes to improve any aspect of your life (whether it’s your health, career, or personal growth) it’s important to check in with yourself and tap into your “why.” Without a clear sense of purpose, goals can feel distant, vague, or overwhelming. But when you connect your aspirations to something more meaningful, discipline becomes SOOO much easier, and the journey feels a lot more fulfilling.
So, how do you uncover your “why”? Consider asking yourself some of these questions:
1. Imagine Your Most Actualized, Happiest, Hottest and Healthiest Self
Close your eyes and visualize yourself as the best version of YOU. How do you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally? What does your daily life look like? By painting this picture in your mind, you create somewhat of a tangible goal to work toward!
2. What Challenges Have You Faced Due to Physical or Mental Barriers?
Think about moments when you’ve struggled, whether from fatigue, stress, or other obstacles. How have these challenges held you back? Identifying past roadblocks can help you create strategies to overcome them.
3. How Does Your Health Impact Your Career and Creativity?
Your physical and mental wellness directly affects your ability to show up for your creative pursuits and career goals. How might improved energy, focus, and clarity help you work more effectively? Would better routines allow you to be more consistent and inspired?
4. What Has Prevented You from Making These Changes Before?
Are there limiting beliefs, habits, or external circumstances that have made it difficult to become the person you want to be? What would it take to break through those barriers? Acknowledging these challenges is the first step in overcoming them.
5. List Your Goals and Tie Them Back to Your Vision
Write down every single goal and aspiration you have for yourself, big or small. Then, connect each one back to the vision you outlined in Question 1. This step solidifies the importance of these goals and makes them feel more achievable.
Consider using the SMART goal-setting to create clear and actionable steps for each goal. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Here’s how to apply it:
- Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
- Measurable: How will you track your progress?
- Achievable: Is this goal realistic given your current resources and constraints?
- Relevant: Why is this goal important to you? How does it tie into your larger vision?
- Time-Bound: What is your timeline for achieving this goal?
For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “I want to work out more this year,” break it down into a SMART goal:
- Specific: “I will work out 3 times a week with a mix of strength training and cardio.”
- Measurable: “I’ll journal or track my workouts in a fitness app to ensure I hit 3 sessions per week.”
- Achievable: “I can adjust my schedule to make time for these workouts by waking up 30 minutes earlier on weekdays or hit the gym after work.”
- Relevant: “This goal will improve my physical health, improve my energy levels, and help me feel more confident.”
- Time-Bound: “I’ll stick to this workout schedule for 3 months and reassess my progress in early May.”
6. What Would Your Future Self Say to You Right Now?
Lastly, imagine hearing advice from the future version of yourself, the one who has already achieved everything you’re working toward. What would they say to you today? What encouragement would they offer? Maybe they’d remind you to trust the process, celebrate your small wins, or stay patient because progress takes time.
Now, consider telling yourself that same message today. What would you need to hear right now to stay motivated and grounded?
Consider writing it down on a sticky note, in your journal, or on your phone, and keep it somewhere highly visible as a daily reminder. Let these notes be your affirmations to stay connected to your long-term vision of your best self, especially on the days when motivation feels nonexistent.
Progress > Perfection
Finally, please remember to be kind to yourself. There is no competition or deadline for self-improvement. If anyone makes you feel like you’re behind in life, block, unfollow, or mute out that noise.
The only thing that matters is that you are 1% better today than you were yesterday.
Embrace the mantra: progress > perfection. Stay patient, stay focused, and trust that every small step forward is leading you toward your greatest version.
You’ve got this, babe!
If you found this information helpful, let us know in the comments! For personalized support, feel free to text or email us to get started. You can also join our waitlist here! 🫶🏽
Cultivating generational health through personalized nutrition and wellness.
