When you know why you’re doing what you want to do, you do it better. 

You can prioritize clearly, adapt when you need, and endure the inevitable setbacks. More importantly, you’ll know when you’re heading in the right direction.

This sense of clarity doesn’t just magically happen to you. Fortunately, it’s pretty straightforward to get started. 

Think about what you’re doing—or what you’re trying to do—and ask yourself, “Why is this important to me?

Then, ask yourself, “Why?” again. Three times. Or seven times. 

Or, really, as many times as you need, until you feel like you understand.

When I did this exercise recently, I listed something new I wanted to do. I went into the exercise feeling confused about the initiative. To my surprise, when I first asked myself, “Why?” my brain came up with five different reasons. I understood the source of confusion.

I asked AI what I should do when that happens. It suggested that I choose the most resonant reason, the one that felt like I could tattoo on my brain. So I did. And I asked myself why that was important to me, again, and again. 

The third answer made sense. So did the fourth. But the fifth and sixth were new to me.

By the seventh time, I got to an answer I didn’t expect. It’s been on my mind all day. I wonder what it means. Maybe it’s time to ask, “Why is this important to me?” a few more times. 

I was reminded of this exercise by The 4 Minute Millionaire, which my friend Nik wrote. It’s on sale for $0.99 this week.