What is Your "Why?"
Uncover the purpose that fuels your fitness journey
Dear Reader,
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Your “why”
Have you ever wondered how an Olympian gets to the top of their sport? How champions are made? The answer is that they are committed to their why.
Your “why” is the purpose that gives meaning to what you do. We’re going to come back to your “why” frequently in the Daily Self Newsletter, because it’s the biggest reason(s) you are trying to improve or maintain your fitness. Identifying your “why” is one of the most important parts of your fitness journey.
Why your “why” matters
Think of your “why” as a compass. It points you in the direction of your goals, keeping you steady when motivation fades. For example, on days when you feel tired and tempted to skip a workout, reflecting on your “why” helps you push through.
Your “why” gives you the strength to keep going.
Say you want to improve your cardio endurance and get leaner, so you commit to going on a 30-minute run each day. At first, you’re highly motivated… blasting Chapelle Roan through your headphones, dancing in the streets with your fists triumphantly pumping in the air… and it’s easy to achieve.
Over time, though, the initial rush of enthusiasm fades. Maybe you feel you’ve earned a day off, and then another, or you feel overwhelmed with work, school, or family responsibilities.
Your “why” is what keeps you from backing out of your commitment. It’s what makes you resist the inertia to do nothing, pick yourself up, and walk out that door. Your “why” gives you the strength to keep going and is a fundamental driving force that you can return to at any time.
How do I find my “why?”
Your "why" is the reason you're on this path, and your motivators are the tools you use to stay focused on that reason.
Your "why" is the core reason you’re pursuing fitness—it’s your deeper purpose for making a change. Motivators are what push you toward that "why" and help you stay on track. Think of your "why" as your destination, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivators as the fuel that powers your journey.
Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation comes from within. It’s when your actions are driven by personal satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment, or the joy of the activity itself. In fitness, this could look like the pride you feel after finishing a workout, the rush of endorphins, or the simple pleasure of moving your body and feeling stronger. When you're intrinsically motivated, you work out because it makes you feel good—physically and mentally.
Examples of intrinsic motivators for fitness:
Feeling energized and clear-headed after a run
The satisfaction of hitting a personal record in the gym
Knowing you’re investing in your long-term health and well-being
Extrinsic motivation
Extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards or pressures. It’s when your actions are driven by factors outside yourself, like earning a reward, avoiding a consequence, or gaining approval. In fitness, this could mean working out to meet a challenge, impress others, or hit a visible milestone. Extrinsic motivation can be great for giving you a push when you need to hit a goal or make short-term progress.
Examples of extrinsic motivators for fitness:
Training for an event, like a race or competition
Earning a fitness challenge badge or reward
Looking a certain way for a special occasion
Connect your motivators with your “why”
Your "why" is the reason you're on this path, and your motivators are the tools you use to stay focused on that reason. By connecting your motivations—whether it’s the short-term thrill of hitting a milestone or the long-term satisfaction of feeling stronger—to your “why,” you give yourself tools to help you navigate the ups and downs of your fitness journey.
The stronger your connection to your “why,” the easier it is to stay consistent, even when things get tough. It’s not just about willpower; it’s about having a deeper reason that keeps you anchored.
Your “why” can change
As you advance in your journey, your “why” might change—and that’s perfectly normal! You may find your priorities shift over time. Perhaps your extrinsic motivations evolve into intrinsic ones, or new goals may emerge as you hit milestones. Remember that the journey isn’t linear—you’re on the right path no matter what, simply by taking this first step!
For this week: Write your “true why”
Tuesday - Uncover your “surface why”
Task: Start by thinking about why you began your fitness journey or why you want to improve. Write down your surface reason.
Example: I want to build muscle.
Wednesday - Dig deeper with 3-5 whys
Task: Keep asking why to dig deeper into your surface reason.
Example:
Why do I want to build muscle?
Because I want to feel stronger.Why do I want to feel stronger?
Because I want to feel capable and independent.Why do I want to feel capable and independent?
Because I want to rely on myself, both physically and mentally.Why do I want to rely on myself?
Because being self-reliant makes me feel empowered and confident in my life.
Now, the initial goal of "building muscle" is actually tied to a final TRUE "why”:
I want to build muscle because it makes me feel more empowered, confident, and self-reliant.
Thursday - Identify intrinsic motivators
Task: Focus on your intrinsic motivators—what internal rewards or feelings keep you going?
Ask yourself these questions:
What makes me feel good during or after a workout?
How does fitness improve my mental or emotional well-being?
What do I enjoy about moving my body or pushing myself?
Write down 2-3 intrinsic motivators.
Examples:
Feeling stronger day by day
Sense of accomplishment after tough workouts
Mental resilience from pushing limits
Friday - Identify extrinsic motivators and tie it all together
Task: Focus on extrinsic motivators—external rewards that drive you to stay consistent.
Ask yourself:
What milestones or goals do I want to achieve?
Who do I want to impress or gain recognition from?
What external rewards keep me going when I need a push?
Write down 2-3 extrinsic motivators.
Examples:
Seeing physical changes in muscle definition
Receiving compliments about my progress
Reaching strength benchmarks (like lifting a specific weight)
Tie It All Together: Review your true "why" (from Wednesday) and your intrinsic/extrinsic motivators (from Thursday and Friday). Write them all down in one place to remind yourself of what keeps you moving forward.
What’s your “why”? Hit reply and let me know what’s driving your fitness journey. Whether it’s intrinsic, extrinsic, or a mix of both—I’d love to hear what keeps you going.