Your 'Why' Matters More Than You Think

Thought For The Week

Research consistently shows that when we link our actions to something that truly matters to us, we unlock a deeper sense of motivation. No longer is it just about reaching goals or checking off lists—it's about having a sense of direction that’s filled with purpose. With meaning and purpose driving our actions, we’re more committed and more willing to face challenges and overcome obstacles. Whether it’s in our careers, personal growth, or other areas of life, having a clear "why" behind our efforts can make the difference between temporary success and long-term transformation.

Exercise Tip

While external goals like weight loss or achieving a certain body type can spark short-term effort, they often lack the staying power that comes with a deeper connection to our fitness journey. When we connect our training to something more meaningful—whether it’s feeling stronger, improving energy levels, or enhancing mental well-being—exercise becomes a tool for personal growth, rather than just a means to an end. This shift in perspective can help us stay consistent because motivation is no longer dependent on a specific outcome or external validation. Instead, it’s about the ongoing process and the intrinsic rewards we experience along the way.

Try this: Instead of tracking physical changes like weight and body shape, try paying attention to how your body feels after a workout. Notice improvements in your energy levels, mood, and mental clarity, which can help shift your motivation from external results to the immediate, intrinsic benefits of exercise.

Nutrition Tip

Often we approach nutrition with the goal of simply losing weight or fitting into a certain dress size, but this narrow focus can make healthy eating feel like a temporary fix, rather than a sustainable lifestyle choice. Connecting our eating choices to something more meaningful—such as fuelling for optimal energy or supporting long-term health— can be both liberating and help us think about food in less restrictive terms. This mindset shift can help us make more positive choices, not because we have to, but because we want to take care of our body in a way that aligns with our values. When nutrition becomes about enhancing overall well-being, it’s easier to build positive, sustainable habits.

Try this: Rather than focusing on weight loss or appearance, set nutrition goals based on how you want to feel. For example, aim to increase your energy levels, improve your digestion, or enhance your mental clarity. These goals are rooted in health and can help keep you motivated in a way that feels bigger and more meaningful.

Links & Resources

Book: In Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, Daniel Pink shows us that the secret to high performance and satisfaction lies in the human need to do and contribute to things that matter.

Book: Whether it's in leadership, business or our personal lives, Simon Sinek uncovers the secret to lasting success in his book Start With Why.

Resource: Keen to track your health and fitness progress in a less quantitative and more qualitative way? Download my progress tracker.

Inspirational Quote

"The drive to do things because they matter is one of the most powerful motivators." 

Daniel Pink