Everyone sets goals…lose weight, hit targets, climb the ladder. Without understanding what truly drives them, these goals rarely stick. At Meraki Coach we help you dig into the “what’s behind” so your goals stick.
Introduction
We all set goals. Lose weight. Hit targets. Climb the ladder. They feel good, at least at first.
And soon start feeling, something’s missing. What is driving that goal? What is really behind it?
At Meraki Coach (by Vinita Win), we believe that goals alone are incomplete. The real power lies not in asking “why” but in exploring “what” – what’s truly compelling you, what’s beneath the surface, what will shift when you achieve it
What’s Behind Your Goal? The Power of “What”
Losing weight? Fine. But what’s behind it?
- Is someone pushing you?
- Do you want to feel different in your own skin?
- Are you chasing freedom in your body?
Here’s the thing: when we ask “why,” we often get defensive answers. But when we ask “what” – what is behind this goal? what is compelling me? what will I gain? — we unlock something deeper.
One of my coaching clients said: “I want to lose weight.”
I asked: “What’s behind your goal? What is compelling you to lose weight? What will you gain?”
The answer wasn’t just about diet or gym. It was: better breathing, walking into a boardroom without shame, feeling free in your own body.
That’s when we glimpsed the real anchor behind the goal.
Why “What” Holds the Motivation (Not “Why”)
Here’s a psychological truth that changes everything:cation.
“Why” is a defensive question. “What” is a discovery question.
In coaching, we’ve learned to step back from “why” because it triggers defensiveness. When someone asks you “Why are you doing this?” it feels like a challenge. But when they ask “What’s behind this? What are you moving toward?” it opens doors.
If your goal is driven by external pressure, “they want me to…”, “I should…” then the drive collapses when the pressure goes away.
But if your goal arises from understanding what’s truly behind it…your values, your identity, what freedom means to you, what you’re building toward…it anchors deeply. It sticks. It fuels you day after day.
Consider two scenarios:
- Scenario A: You aim to hit a KPI just because your manager expects it. Once your manager moves on, motivation drifts.
- Scenario B: You aim to hit that same KPI because you understand what’s behind it — the impact you’re making, the value you bring, how it aligns with who you want to be. You own it. That’s what keeps the engine running.
That’s why at Meraki Coach we work not just on goals, but on the clarity of “what” the deeper truth…behind them
From Goals to “What” – A Practical Framework
How do you make this shift? Here’s a simple framework:
- Pause and ask: What’s behind this goal?
- Dig deeper: What is compelling me to pursue this?
- Explore the real pinch: What will I feel? What will change? What freedom, respect, health, or identity am I moving toward?
- Anchor your goal: Connect that “what” with your daily actions so it doesn’t become a once-off burst, but a lived continuum.
- Lead or coach from that space: As a leader or coach, help your team or clients discover the “what,” not just chase the “what.”
Why This Matters for Coaches, Managers & Leaders
Whether you’re guiding others or guiding yourself:
- If you’re a coach: You’ll help your clients move beyond surface goals to transformational growth by asking “what’s behind this?” instead of “why do you want this?”
- If you’re a manager or leader: You’ll build teams whose goals are rooted in real purpose and meaning…stronger commitment, deeper alignment.
- If you’re an individual ready to lead yourself better: You’ll uncover the deeper “what” that helps you stay consistent, even when the novelty fades.
When goals are purely external returns (lose weight, close sales, win promotion), sustainability suffers
When they’re rooted in understanding what’s truly behind them (breathe easy, make real impact, thrive in purpose), they become alive, and so do you.
Ready to Ask: “What’s Behind Your Goal?”
This is an invitation.
If you’re ready to move beyond surface goals and tap into the deeper “what,” we are opening mentoring slots at Meraki Coach for:
- Coaches who want to lead from genuine purpose
- Leaders who want to build teams grounded in meaning
- Anyone ready to ask: “What’s truly behind my goal?”
Don’t just chase a goal…live it. Anchor it. Own it.
Conclusion
Goals matter. But they’re just the starting point.
The real transformation happens when you stop asking “why” and start asking “what” – what’s behind your goal? what’s compelling you? what will change? When you align your actions with that deeper understanding of your values, identity, and freedom, that’s when a goal truly comes alive.
At Meraki Coach we invite you to step into that space. To ask the right questions. To uncover what’s truly behind your goal. To commit not just to the goal, but to the meaning and understanding beneath it.
Call to Action
Ready to dig in?
Let’s talk. Contact us at Meraki Coach and begin your journey of purpose-driven transformation.