Tapping into the “why” of the goal is key and can help with motivation. The coachee is more likely to want to achieve the goal if they tap into this. It increases motivation.
The ‘why’ of a goal
Asking “Why” is how we focus on the goals. It’s not actually a why question, which can be intimidating. It’s the vision questions that ask the why such as;
- What difference will achieving this goal make?
- What impact will it have?
- What else? what else?
This taps into the REAL motivation of the goal.
So the goal could be – “I want to get more coaching clients”. Tapping into the real why will increase motivation.
- What difference will getting more coaching clients make to you? – I’ll get more recognition
- What impact will it have? – I’ll be more visible
- What else? – I’ll have more money
- What will that give you? – Freedom
- What will that enable you to do that you’re not doing now? – More time with family
- What else? – More work life balance
- What’s the motivation – To have more work life balance, so I can spend time with my family!
Check out Simon Sinek’s TED talk on Start with Why for a great visual and explanation on this.
