Constructing A Measurable Goal Using the "Why" Method

I would like to quickly talk about a method I use to help form easy and measurable goals out of ambiguous emotions or situations that I would like to change. I use the "WHY" method. First I state the problem and then keep asking "why" until I can go no further, uncovering the ROOT of the issue in order to form the goal. Let's dive in with one example:

Example: I become convicted that I am not doing enough to help others.

• Why? I have not given money to my church and have not spent any time helping anyone.
• Why am I not giving money to my church? I have felt strapped for funds lately.
• Why am I not taking the time to help others? I haven't been asked and I don't leave the house other than to go to work.
• Why don't I want to leave the house? I have been feeling overwhelmed and stressed out at work.
• Why have I been feeling stress at work? I have not been getting the support I need from my manager.

When confronted with the "whys" in regards to the issue of not doing enough to help others, we have discovered some things about ourselves that we can work on and issues we can create goals from:

• I need to feel more financially secure.
• I need to come up with different ways I can help people.
• I need more support from my manager at work.

Translate these several statements into lists I can pick a goal or habit from:

• Make a list of 10 things I can do to become more financially secure.
• Make a list of 10 ways I can help people that doesn't cost money.
• Make a list of 5 things my manager could do to make me feel like I am supported.

For the goal of becoming financially secure, make a list and choose this goal to start with:

• Goal: Find a new  job
  • Task: Fill out 20 resumes and submit them online.

For the goal of helping people that doesn't cost money, you decide on these 2 goals:

• Goal: Volunteer at a church function once per week
  • Task: Find out how to volunteer at church.
• Goal: Help or be generous with 5 people each week. Track this as a habit.

For the goal of needing more support at work, you pick this goal out of the list of 5 things your manager could do to help you feel supported:

• Goal: Have a one-on-one meeting with a manager once per month to discuss concerns and solutions.
  • Task 1: Make a list of 5 concerns I have had while working.
  • Task 2: Schedule a time with the manager to sit down and have this discussion.
  • Task 3: Meet with the manager

As you can see, asking "why" makes it much easier to formulate goals by peeling back the layers of your motivation. If you have any questions about this, feel free to message me in the comments.

Share