Achieving goals often feels like a battle of willpower—a sustained effort against inertia. However, the true secret to consistent action lies not in sheer discipline, but in the depth of our motivation. Our success depends less on what we want to achieve and more on why we want it.
The methodology demonstrated in the accompanying framework—often referred to as the «5 Whys» of Goal Setting or «Laddering»—provides a powerful tool for peeling back the layers of a goal to expose the core emotional and psychological drivers that truly fuel action. By repeatedly asking «Why?», we move past surface desires to discover the fundamental values that make us feel clear, focused, and motivated.
The shallow goal vs. The core motivation
When we first set a goal, it often sits on a surface level. For instance, a professional might set the goal, «I want to get a promotion.» While concrete, this goal provides limited intrinsic motivation. Life inevitably presents challenges, and when the process becomes difficult, a superficial goal is easily abandoned.
The «Why?» process transforms this:
- Surface Goal: What you do (e.g., Get a promotion).
- Deep Motivation: What you feel or become (e.g., Security, Recognition, Freedom).
The framework guides you through a five-step inquiry for your top three goals, creating an unbreakable chain of motivation.
The step-by-step inquiry: The 5 Whys
1. Write Goal No. 1 Here
Start with a simple, measurable goal. This is the What.
2. Why Do You Want This Goal? What Does It Give You? (Level 1)
The first «Why» usually reveals a tangible, practical outcome. It’s the immediate benefit.
- Example: If the goal is «Get a promotion,» the Level 1 answer might be, «It gives me a higher salary.»
3. And Why Do You Want That? What Does That Give You? (Level 2)
The second question drills down into the utility or function of the Level 1 answer.
- Example: If the Level 1 answer is «Higher salary,» the Level 2 answer might be, «It gives me the ability to pay off debt faster.»
4. And Why Do You Want That? What Does That Give You? (Level 3)
By Level 3, the answers start touching on personal values and life aspirations.
- Example: If the Level 2 answer is «Pay off debt faster,» the Level 3 answer might be, «It gives me financial freedom and reduced stress.»
5. And Why Do You Want That? What Does That Give You? (Level 4)
This level often exposes deep-seated needs related to identity, legacy, or relationships.
- Example: If the Level 3 answer is «Financial freedom,» the Level 4 answer might be, «It gives me the capacity to spend more quality time with my family.»
6. And Why Do You Want That? What Does That Give You? (Level 5)
The final «Why» should pinpoint the core emotional driver—the ultimate reward. This is the non-negotiable anchor of motivation.
- Example: If the Level 4 answer is «More time with family,» the final answer might be, «It gives me a feeling of purpose and fulfillment as a father/mother.»
The ultimate payoff: How will this goal help you feel?
The final box in the framework synthesizes the findings of the five «Whys.» It asks: «What will this goal help you feel?»
The answer is rarely «promoted» or «rich.» Instead, the answer is the emotional state that will sustain the effort: purposeful, secure, respected, free, or at peace.
When motivation flags, you don’t look back at the task (the «What»); you look back at the emotional payoff (the final «Why»). The thought of «purpose and fulfillment» is a far more powerful antidote to procrastination than the thought of «submitting another report.»
By formalizing this reflective process for our most important goals, we transition from being driven by obligation to being powered by intrinsic motivation. We replace the temporary boost of willpower with the enduring strength of purpose.
DREIESKIVA|Roald Kvam 
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