Ask the “why?” Question With Power and Spark Greater Success

Here’s an empowering twist on a common success question. In one form or another, this question is part of countless goal-setting programs.

And it is one of the reasons many find goal-setting ineffective. The question is “Why do you want this?”

I’ve discovered that this question is not nearly as effective as it might be. “Why do you want this?” can be answered with a shrug or a defensive, even an exasperated “Because that’s what I want!” This answer, while understandable, does not light up the imagination or crackle with feelings of success.

And any goal-setting question that does not stir the imagination or generate feelings of success misses a golden opportunity to skyrocket the odds of successful accomplishment. In my experience, here’s why.

Goal-setting exercises are often logical exercises. The logical mind sets objectives.

However, the power of dynamic accomplishment lies in the unconscious mind because this is the seat of imagination and enthusiasm. So any goal-setting technique that short-changes the resources of the unconscious at the expense of the logical mind lacks power and energy.

I’ve discovered a far more compelling way to ask this question.

Instead of “Why do you want this?” ask “What will this do for you?” Depending on the goal and the individual, a variation like “Besides the money, what will this do for you?” works wonders. “What will this do for you?” generates power because it probes beneath the obvious and explores a state of mind.

It anticipates a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. And I’ve observed that when the feelings crackle with success power, success is at hand.

Here’s a technique I designed to help you to notice the power this question generates.

Take a deep breath. Elevate your gaze as if looking at an imaginary point just above a distant horizon.

Call to mind the goal that currently stirs your blood and fires your imagination. Let your mind form an image that represents your successfully accomplishment.

See this image as if through your own eyes. From the point of view just behind your eyes, see this scene in vivid color, sharp detail, and bathed in bright light.

Ask yourself “What does this do for me?” Answer the question in terms of feelings, self-image, confidence, and sense of accomplishment.

For example, suppose you see a check for $50,000. Wonderful! However, it’s not the collection of decorated pieces of paper with portraits of dead dignitaries that you wanted in the first place.

You wanted to exchange those pieces of paper for something that’s important to you. As you make this exchange in your imagination, what do you feel like?

In your mind’s eye, see yourself making this exchange, acquiring that “something,” and feeling pretty good about it! Whatever you feel in this moment is the answer to “What will this do for me?”

Do you realize the awesome power that resides in these feelings? This is power you won’t find in logic.

So when you set a goal, ask this compelling question and use my technique to generate the success power that insures success. “What will this do for you?” is the question that transforms ordinary goal-setting exercises into the empowering feelings of accomplishment.