One Simple Question

The last couple of years has been a journey.

From buying my first property to doubling down on this blog.

I've experienced a lot of emotions along the way, especially in relation to the latter. Putting yourself out there for the world to critique your work is scary and can sometimes leave you thinking you're under-qualified.

The truth is, imposter syndrome is always going to be present.

But that doesn't mean it wins.

To counter rising feelings of self-doubt, I've been asking myself the following question:

Why?

Why am posting on this blog every week?

Why I am putting myself through continuously harder sessions and runs each week?

The answer to both these questions is what drives me when times get tough.

I know the moment when I hit publish or push 5kg more than last week I'm contributing towards a bigger goal.  

Take signing up for an event as an example.

Why do you do it? - Because you want to show you're capable of going out of your comfort zone and achieving something you once thought unattainable.  

Over & Over

When you've nailed down the 'why' it becomes a powerful tool for you to reflect on.

It becomes the foundation of your values, actions and, ultimately, successes.

Physically writing it on paper embeds it in your mind and acts as an anchor point for when you need to come back to it.

Motivation won't always be around to generate momentum so having your why handy can be the difference between you maintaining standards and letting it fall by the wayside.

Diving Deeper

Once you know your "why", you can begin to explore and break it down.

I mentioned a few weeks ago what my decision-making criteria are when looking for challenges.

1. Discipline - does this require me to commit to becoming the person who completes these challenges?  
2. Inexperience - will I gain knowledge along the way?
3. Unknown - does this scare me a little?

The biggest motivation is knowing there's a better version of yourself waiting at the finish line.

Summary

• Ask yourself "why".
• Write it down and use it as a tool to reflect on.
• Your values and actions become defined by your underlining reasoning.
• Motivation is often fleeting but your "why" drives you on.
• There's always a more knowledgable and experienced version awaiting - you need to be willing to become that person.

You can support the blog here.

Don't forget to subscribe and share.