When it comes to creating a successful life, everyone needs a STRONG why.
So what exactly is your why? It’s your reason (or reasons) for doing what you’re doing. It comes from your heart and soul, not your head. And it has to be big—big enough to keep you motivated, bigger than every excuse or fear you could possibly think of.
If you’re not sure what your why is, notice what makes you feel energized. After all, if you’re not excited about what you’re doing, how on earth do you think you’ll ever be able to stay motivated?
Lots of people have trouble identifying their why, so if you do, too, remember you’re not alone! To make it easier, I’m going to ask you some questions in two simple steps that will help you figure it out. To get ready, please take out some sticky notes or a piece of paper and a pen. You’re going to write down your answers to the questions below… This is an important step that’ll help you immensely, so make sure to do it!
Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1 — Articulate Your ‘Why’
First, I want you to write down your personal reason (or reasons) for doing what you’re doing (in terms of your career or business).
Does it bring in a substantial income? Does it make you feel good? Is it your way of living your life’s purpose? Write down all answers that come to mind.
(Quick side note here: Even if your biggest motivation is to help others, you can’t forget about yourself. Just like everyone else, you deserve to be successful and live a happy and fulfilling life!)
Okay, did you write down at least one answer? If so, great job! You’ve figured out the first why—your personal why.
Now, let’s move on to your second why: your reason for helping others. What problem are you solving for them? Why do you want to solve it? Write this down on another sticky note or sheet of paper.
And GO…
All done? Good for you!
Now I want you to put all your whys somewhere that’s easy to see. We’ll come back to them, but for now, let’s move on to the next step… articulating your why nots. Read on for the next step…
Step 2 — Articulate Your ‘Why Nots’
Secondly, write down why your NOT already doing what you want to be doing in your career or business.
But before you write them down, let me first explain what a “why not” is.
A “why not” is the reason (or reasons) you’re not getting what you want. It comes from your mind rather than your heart. Normally in a form of fear.
For example, you are procrastinating on a project because you have doubts about the research you have done.
Or you aren’t working out to get fit because you feel like you don’t have the time to do it.
Now, obviously you have your reasons for why you want a successful professional life, such as providing for your family or making a difference in the world. However, if you’re not as successful as you’d like to be, you most likely have some why nots standing in your way.
So how do you stop yourself from getting derailed by why nots?
One way is to go back to your whys. This is the reason it’s so important to write down your whys and put them somewhere easy to see. The constant reminder will keep you on track, plus you’ll have NO excuse for ignoring them!
On a related note, do you remember how I said at the beginning that your why needs to be bigger and stronger than your why not? This is really crucial. A bigger why will make those why nots much easier to ignore…
For example, if your why is “financial freedom,” it’s easy to understand that your time is much better spent supporting that goal rather than mindlessly scrolling through Facebook. A quick glance at your whys, and redirecting yourself will be almost effortless!
Another tip for dealing with the why nots: understanding what’s behind them.
Most of the time, like I mentioned above, they come from a place of fear. Maybe you’re scared your idea isn’t good enough, you’ll be rejected, or you’ll fail big time (all common fears).
If you’ve followed my work at all, you know these are thoughts coming from your fear-based mind, which is just doing its job and trying to protect you.
Also be aware that your thoughts create your reality, and these fear-based thoughts are trying to keep you in your comfort zone. Just realize that it’s ultimately your choice whether to believe these stories or not.
YOU — not your mind — are in charge of your life, so you have the power to choose what you want to believe.
So now it’s your turn! What are some of your whys and why nots? Share with our community in the comments below so you can inspire others!
Your whys and why nots are two critical steps to closing the gap from where you are now to where you want to be…
But these aren’t the only steps you need to take to achieve what you want in your life.
After years of testing different processes and systems, I finally formulated one step-by-step system that has not only worked for me to achieve every single goal and dream but has also worked for thousands of my students from around the world.
I teach the full process in my free “Ultimate Life Makeover” class, which will help you not only achieve more, but it will show you how to get unstuck and create momentum towards getting everything you want in your life including more happiness, more success, more fulfillment and more life balance.
I’d love if you would join me as my guest…
Just click here and select a FREE class date and time that works best for you and your schedule! See you there!
For Your Freedom,
maurille says
I love your free advice and lessons and it inspires me and encourage me a lot.Thank you so much
Edino says
Exelente, escarbas en mi mente para decifrar mis debilidades subconcientes. Gracias por la clase gratis. Ahora solo falta comprender mejor el ingles.
Catherine says
Why’s – Financial Freedom
Why Not – I don’t have the idea or passion. I just don’t know what it is I should be doing.
I think if I knew what it was I could follow through.
arnulfo says
, notice what makes you feel energized.
Isolde Kühn says
GUTEN TAG,
ICH LIEBE DEN RAT UND DIESE WUNDERBARE IDEE.
GOTTES GUTER SEGEN ÜBER UNS
🙂 🙂 🙂
Yasmin Ivon diez Giraldo says
Gracias por la información que me mandan me ayudasa mucho, a trabajar en mis memorias ancestrales y hacerles consciencia y asi poder transformarlas
Así trabajos me han ayudado montones
Ya tengo un motivo para aprender inglés no quiero perder detalle de las clase y algún día estar en un taller presencial.
Mi gratitud para har veker y su equipo
Cony says
Many thanks Harv. Just the right words at the right time.
Adam says
God bless you Mr Herv.
I always get tons of inspiration whenever i come across your articles.
Tom O'Connor says
I’d Like be a part of the company
Do what I love that’s changing people’s lives for the better
Joe Lujan says
Why- So I can teach my kids!
Why not- I am retired and comfortable!
Miguek says
Hola Harv Ecker me gustaría saber más acerca del factor de la Abundancia, en donde estas haciendo Alianzas con otros lideres.
alvaro isai says
why- becasue i want to buy whatever i want
why not- because im afraid to loose.
ALVARO OLIVO
Sirisha allamneni says
Thanks
Alfonso Padilla says
thanks you for everything….i enjoy and grow up every day
Javier says
Thanks you so Mach T. Harv Eker
RAMDANI REDA says
YES AND YES, thank you Harv very much,Right words at the right time. you are great.
Jeremiah says
Why? To prove to myself and my family I CAN achieve financial success, my way. Also, to get back to my true passion in music.
Why not? Fear of not being able to deliver on my services and fear of rejection from potential clients..
Can think too much about those blasted why-nots; they are thought that do not empower me. Stay encouraged everyone! Keep moving forward
Moly says
– What is my dream? ……………………….. To make a billion dollar or more.
– What are my immediate goals? ……………………….. 1) To create my video series, 2) To launch my program
– Why my dream? ……………………….. The following is the list of my bigger goals: 1) To get my own studio, 2) To purchase a house, 3) To pay for my kids’ education, 4) To do the cafe project & the trail project, 5) To contribute in environmental projects, 6) To contribute in education & health projects in unfortunate parts of the world, 7) To enjoy writing my stories freely – without worrying about how to publish or who will read or where is the film-making team I am looking for to make them into amazing movies – maybe I can then contribute in the production of the movies and create something similar to what Mr. Rogers created with his Neighborhood program.
– Why my goals? ……………………….. They are my “How’s”. 1) To create a brand for myself & create a followers list, 2) To take the first real step in my dream (which is my program), 3) To start making profit
– Why NOT my goals? ……………………….. Ahhhhhh my mind……
1) What will I look like on the video? Who cares? I do.
2) I know what I will talk about. Good. Yeah, but do I deliver what I know? Will this be too much? Why would people pay to come to me if I already delivered all the info for free? I don’t know how to cut down on the material / throw a bait. I like to generously explain my topics.
3) I am not good at the “You wanna hear me, come to my program and your life won’t be the same again. You can thank me later or thank your mom for never giving-up praying for you :-)”
4) Can I be everyone? The camera-man, the presenter, the one who prepares the slides & researches the material, the video editor, the social-media person who posts the videos strategically and creates Ads to draw attention to them? Can I be everyone? Sure why not.
5) Is my hesitation, partly a sense of overwhelm, and partly a fear of judgement (my self-judgement)?
6) Do I have some fear of failure or scarcity mindset? I think I need to develop more TRUST in the Universe that even if I deliver to my heart’s content, I will still attract opportunities for me and I will still earn abundantly.
I really want to get going – I want to get going – I want to get going —- fly with my dreams/bigger goals
Jo says
Thank you so much for your gracious generosity in sharing such valuable information for free! You are truly at the forefront of changing humanity for the better!
My” Why”: Financial Freedom. I am retired and barely scraping by on Social Security. I don’t “need” to be a millionaire, just really well off. Maybe even rich! I’m determined not to end up being a bag lady.
My “Why Not”: I see opportunities everywhere! Too many choices! And I’m certain I can be successful at many of them. Some opportunities would require a hefty investment of cash for training , which I don’t have. Some require a couple of years or more in training before I could earn much money. I’m having trouble narrowing down something I feel passionate about, that will provide a great income, that doesn’t require a lot of money or time to learn.
Jessica says
Thank you! I did the Makeover Coaching online for several months at the special price. I saw only two times offered a week for the US and both times were not good for me. So I was not able to get on it very often.
I really like your blogs and free webinars.
All my best
Jessica
David Larsen says
Why: Changing my financial situation will help myself, my family and many others in the future. Also, understanding and proving to myself how manifestation works on a deeper level is important so I can enjoy the benefits myself and give it forward. Perhaps most importantly, facing fear over and over again to finally become its master is crucial for my sense of freedom and for everything I will be doing, thinking and feeling in the future.
Why not: I am taking significant financial risks (leaps of faith) that could hurt my family and kids and our entire foundation of safety/security. If I dont make it, Also there is fear of making a fool of myself, being a complete failure. But the biggest reason for not doing it. Because it is completely out of my comfort zone at least 50% of the time and that feels very scary. I am dealing with loads of fearful thoughts and emotions (energy in general) that does not only feel real but also becomes reality as it manifests. Its a tough task and sometimes it would be nice to just crawl back into safety and being broke and unfortunate…
Braindy ubong says
I love your advice it encourages me but I fine it very difficult to apply them in my life. Any help for that?
MASUKA M. KAMULI says
MY TEACHER USE TO SAY GOOD JOB, TRUE OR TRUE?
THANKS EKER.
Comfort Talabi says
I am at the moment working on 3 projects that I can say are linked together because they are all to do with empowering people to think and do things differently and can also generate income.
1) Project 1 is about helping people to save money on their bills and also for those who want to create residual income, they can join the business and work towards creating time and financial freedom.
2) Project 2 is introducing people to books and training that can help them think differently i.e self-development books and training.
3) Project 3 is focused on helping young people to think about their lives from a young age and discover why they are here and what value they can add to the world they live in, becoming a person of influence.
With these three projects, I am working to become the person I need to be and to become time and financially free.
With the income, I will help my nephews/nieces, some orphans and some mothers in Nigeria.
I have not achieved my goal yet because I allow fear to get in the way of talking to people about services that my business provide and the opportunity of creating time and financial freedom from my business.
Melia Bauto Ragiagia says
I have come to learn alot of knowing my why’s and why not’s and it has really opened my mind and has motivated and inspired me to do the impossible. thank you