How to predict if you’ll hit your goal (before you even start)

Jan 3

You know why people secretly hate resolutions?

Because they decide that this year will finally be different.
They buy the planner. Write the vision board. Set the goal.

And then… they show up exactly the same way.
Same patterns. Same habits. Same results.

But here’s the truth:
You can predict your goal success with one simple question.

The One Question That Predicts Success

Before you start any goal (losing weight, starting a business, getting promoted, writing that book) ask yourself one question:

Why do I want this?

And don’t stop at your first answer.

Most people say, “Because it’ll feel amazing when I hit it!”

Sure. But why will it feel amazing?

Keep asking “why” until you hit something real.

Because your why tells you whether you’ll stay consistent or fizzle out by February.

The Two Kinds of “Why” (and Which One Dooms You)

There are two types of why.

One will make you unstoppable.
The other will quietly destroy your progress.

1. The “Fixing Myself” Why

This one sounds logical. Even responsible.
But it’s poison in disguise.

It sounds like:

“If I make more money, I’ll finally feel secure.”
“If I lose weight, I’ll finally like how I look.”
“If I get promoted, people will finally respect me.”

This kind of why comes from fear or lack.
You’re chasing a goal to fix how you feel about yourself.

But here’s the problem: shame doesn’t sustain momentum.

You might make progress for a while, but eventually you’ll burn out.
Because deep down, you’re trying to outrun a belief instead of replacing it.

And when that happens, your brain quietly whispers, “See? I told you it wouldn’t work.”

Sound familiar?

2. The “Expanding Myself” Why

This is the why that actually works.

It sounds like:

“I want to see what I’m capable of.”
“I want to grow into the kind of person who can handle this.”
“I want to create something that feels like me.”

This why feels lighter. Braver. More curious.

It’s not about fixing yourself. It’s about evolving.

And because it’s rooted in curiosity instead of shame, it pulls you forward instead of pushing you with guilt.

That’s the difference between a goal that sticks and a goal that drains you.

How to Know If You’re on the Right Track

You can actually feel whether your “why” will work…if you know what to look for.

Close your eyes for 10 seconds and imagine your goal fully achieved.

Notice what happens in your body.

Tension in your chest?
That’s fear.

Anxiety in your stomach?
That’s shame.

Flat or “meh”?
That’s disconnection.

But if you feel a spark, even a tiny one, that’s your green light.

The right why feels alive.
Even if it’s scary.

Why Your “Why” Matters So Much

Your why drives every decision you make.

It determines whether you give up after a setback or figure out another way.

It shapes how you show up on the days when motivation disappears (which will happen).

And it defines whether your success feels like freedom or just another form of pressure.

Without a compelling why, your brain will always default to comfort - what’s easy, what it already knows.

With it, you’ll surprise yourself with how resilient you can be.

How to Fix a Weak “Why”

If your why feels flat or fear-based, don’t panic. You can rewire it.

Try this:

1- Write down your current why.
Be brutally honest. Even if it sounds shallow, it’s data.

2- Ask “why” again.
Keep peeling back the layers until you find the emotional driver underneath.

3- Flip it from fear to curiosity
Here’s an example of what I mean:

Fear: “I want to lose weight because I hate my body”
Curiosity: “I want to see what it feels like to feel strong and energized”

4- Anchor it to a value, not an outcome
Outcomes are great. But who do you want to BE? And what’s really important to you? For example:

“I want to be someone who follows through.”
“I want to live a life that feels intentional.”

That’s your real why.
That’s what keeps you going when you don’t feel like it.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a new strategy, planner, or productivity hack.
You need a reason that makes you come alive.

Because your “why” is the engine that drives everything else.

A strong why will make you braver.
It will help you take the next step even when you’re scared.
It will pull you out of bed on the days your brain screams “no.”

And it will make your goals (and your life) unstoppable.

Are you ready to do the impossible?

Hi! I’m Erica

Wife to Brendan. Mom to twins + one. Dog mom. Slow runner. Coffee drinker. GIF enthusiast.

I’m a licensed mental health therapist and life coach and career coach. I help you accomplish in 6 months that thing you’ve been thinking about doing for years.