What do you value? Dig down for a second.
• What's most important to you in life? Why?
• What kind of person do you want to be? Why?
Are you living those values? Chances are not as well as you'd like.
When we don’t do what we believe or feel in our gut to be "right", we don't feel good. And our bodies show it.
Knowing what's important to us and why gives us direction and purpose.
If we live according to those values, life (and often, good health) "flows" almost effortlessly.
We get — and stay — strong and powerful.
We also need to know why these things matter to us.
Do your actions match your values?
The “5 Whys” was a system originally used by the Toyota Motor Corporation. It’s very simple and really cuts to the core of why we want something.
When you want to accomplish something (or if something goes wrong), you ask one why.
Why do I want to accomplish this?
Then, with whatever answer you come up with, you ask why to that first answer.
And so on, five times.
Here's an example from a client: "I want to get into better shape."
1. Why do I want to get into better shape? Because I want to lose my gut and maybe build some muscle in my upper body.
2. And why does that matter? Because then I’ll be able to take my shirt off at the beach.
3. And why do I want to be able to take my shirt off at the beach? Because when I look good, I feel good about myself.
4. And why do I want to feel good about myself? Because when I feel good about myself, I’m more assertive and confident.
5. And why do I want to be more assertive and confident? Because when I’m more assertive and confident, I’m in control and better able to get what I want out of life.
Wow. That’s a lot of insight for a few little questions.
For this client getting in shape really meant being in charge of his life. That’s a crucial insight.
He's not just looking for more definition, better arms, or a different weight on the scale.
He also wants to feel a certain way at the end of the process. More confident. More assertive. More in control.
And that's what's really important to him. The other stuff is just a way to get there.
Your 5 Whys
Ok, now it’s your turn to play. Now write down your 5 Whys for this question:
Why do you want to be healthy? Really.
Give it some thought.
Be honest.
- What really matters to you?
- What makes you tick?
- What kind of person do you want to be?
- What do you want to feel?
Chris, myHealthCoach
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