Being successful can look deceptively easy from the outside. One of the reasons people make success look effortless is because they have crafted a clear plan and executed it on a consistent basis. There is, however, another reason driving that success — knowing your 'why'. This blog explores the importance of understanding your deeper motivation when pursuing a qualification or any significant goal.
Reasons People Do Not Reach Their Goals
There are several common reasons why goals go unmet:
- Lack of time — it has been said that people tend to overestimate what they can achieve in a week and underestimate what they can achieve in a year. Without being realistic about the time needed to spend on goals, it is easy to fall behind week after week.
- Procrastination — in a world filled with distractions, getting started can be increasingly difficult. Emails and chores will always be there, and if they feel easier to complete than the goal itself, the goal never gets started.
- Lack of organisation — a lack of planning and clear direction leads to ambiguity and inaction.
- Self-doubt — goals are challenging, but sometimes that challenge can cause people to doubt their own ability, which lowers confidence levels.
- Wrong environment — people are the product of their environment and respond to what they are surrounded with. Productive work happens when you are in the right place to do it — both physically and mentally.
The Importance of Why
If you have addressed timing, procrastination, organisation, and your environment but are still missing your targets, there could be a deeper reason driving that gap.
Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, argued that one habit every person should practise is to begin any endeavour with the end in mind. Many people do this when they launch into something new — but the mistake is assuming that the end outcome is inevitable. When you focus only on the finish line, you overlook what is launching you off the start line in the first place. That is your 'why'.
Why Choose Your Why
Your 'why' is your fundamental reason for committing to something in the first place. When it comes to a qualification, for example, you are more likely to stick to your studies if your motivation is internal — doing it because you want to grow and improve — than if your motivation is purely external, such as doing it to impress others.
Motivational speaker Simon Sinek advocates always starting with why and being clear on why you do what you do. His 2009 TED talk centred around the importance of organisations — and individuals — discovering their 'why' before thinking about their 'how' and 'what'. This approach can be applied at a personal level too, especially when it comes to studying for a qualification. It is helpful to think of three concentric circles:
- Why — this is your fundamental purpose and reason for studying
- How — this is the process, that is, the study plan you will follow
- What — this is the goal, that is, the qualification you are aiming to achieve
Reasons to Start with Your Why
- Clarity of self — when presented with a problem or challenge, you will know why you react the way you do because it will stem from your 'why'
- Motivation — knowing why you are doing what you are doing is motivating because it helps you see the bigger picture and pull away from the immediate pressures of the moment
- Decision making — you will make better decisions that are clearly based on your 'why' rather than working purely on instinct
Over to You
Consider your current or next qualification and ask yourself what your reason is for doing it. Ask yourself this question three times, going deeper with each answer. For example, you might choose to study to improve your marketing skills.
Why 1
To improve your career prospects.
Why 2
To increase your earning potential.
Why 3
To create a better quality of life for yourself and those around you in the future.
Write down your questions and answers and keep them somewhere visible. Look at them every day to reset your mind and keep yourself on track. Taking this approach will make qualification success come far more naturally over time.
How Professional Academy Supports Your Journey
If your 'why' is improving your career and boosting your confidence and professional development, a qualification could be the perfect next step. Professional Academy offers a range of marketing, management, and sales qualifications with flexible study options to suit you.
Not sure which qualification is right for you? Use the Qualifications Navigator to find your ideal course, or get in touch with the team to discuss your options. You can also book an advice call at a time to suit you.
