So I got thinking on the drive in today about goals and the nature of goal setting.  One of the first things you learn when you start working with a coach, (or working on developing yourself at all for that matter) is the importance of goal setting.  I've had a goal for a while now to get up 2 hours earlier than I do currently.  I'd really like to spend that time reading, journaling, exercising and preparing a solid breakfast.  My friend Hal Elrod has a great slogan - "work on your life before 8am, and your life situation for the rest of the day." 

The challenge for me though, (and maybe you can relate to this) is remembering the WHY of the goal.  Use my situation as an example - I know WHAT i want to do (get up 2 hours earlier), but so often we can focus on the WHAT instead of the WHY.  In this case, the why is to "read, journal, exercise and prepare a solid breakfast."  ... right?

I am learning very quickly that the superficial "WHY" isn't enough.  At 4:30am, the idea of reading and exercising seem far less appealing than they did the night before.  I am finding incredible value in following Dan and Chip Heath's advice of "The 3 Whys".  It's really basic stuff too - simply ask "WHY" three times, in order to dig down and find the true motivation behind an action (or desired action).  For me it might be:

I want to get up 2 hours earlier.

WHY?  To read, exercise, etc.

WHY?  Go gain a better sense of balance in my life.

WHY?  Because I can occasionally lose my sense of vision when caught in the day to day obligations.  I want my "big picture" thinking back.

So there's my ultimate reason for wanting to get up early - I want to have more time to think.  Your reasoning for setting goals will be different of course, but I encourage you to dig deep (3 layers deep, at least) to find the real motivation behind your desired actions. 

See you at 5am.