Why are you doing it in the first place?

This is one simple question I ask all my clients when we first start working together and defining their goals.
 
And typically, I’ll hear:
 
To make more money
To retire early
To provide for my family
Be healthier
 
While all of that is probably true…it’s not really their driving force.
 
Take one of my executive clients desire to lose weight. Initially I received all the “right” answers, to be:
 
Healthy
Take care of myself
Look better
Have more energy
 
But that wasn’t really their “why”. 
 
After digging further…he started crying, the real why was that his daughter was overweight, and he wanted to set a better example for her. A better example to:
 
Make better food choices
Exercise
Sleep more
Have more energy
 
That was the actual why. The thing that will:
 
Get him out of bed to hop on the exercise machine
Have him make healthier food choices at home and when he’s traveling
Cook meals with his daughter
 
Not only did he set the example for his daughter, he lost 25lbs as a result.

The thing about it is when we’re generic with our “why’s”,

Making money, retiring early, being able to travel and live a certain lifestyle etc.

Our results will be just that, generic. It doesn’t offer long term motivation.

When we are emotionally connected to our “why’s”

Leaving a legacy, making a difference in people lives, creating a culture that aligns with my values etc.

Our results exceed our expectations.

What’s your why?