Discovering Your Big Why for Lasting New Year's Resolutions

This Idea comes up every year, let's get moving and shaking, maybe get healthy or theres a projects or goal to achieve with high hopes and strong motivation, because it's Jan. Yet, by mid-year, many find their enthusiasm fading and their goals slipping away. Why does this happen? The answer often lies in missing a crucial element: the big why behind those resolutions. Understanding your big why can transform your approach, helping you stay committed and achieve lasting change. This came to me whilst I was recording a card reading, the card Potions came out, this card is about empowerment, and invigoration, spirit wanted to talk about the above, but let's talk about it in a different way, if you see your big why, then you have more clarity to get the end results

Why Most New Year's Resolutions Fail

Setting goals is easy. Sticking to them is hard. Research shows that about 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by February. Common reasons include:

• Lack of clear motivation

• Setting unrealistic or vague goals

• Losing sight of the purpose behind the resolution

• External distractions and life’s unpredictability

  
  

Without a strong, personal reason driving your efforts, motivation dwindles quickly. This is where the big why comes in.

What Is the Big Why?

Your Big Why lives at a soul level.It is the quiet knowing beneath the desire to change — the call from your higher self asking to be heard.

The Big Why isn’t just about what you want to shift on the surface.It asks you to soften, go inward, and listen: Why is my soul guiding me toward this change now?

For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds,” your Big Why may sound more like,“I am ready to feel at home in my body, to move through life with ease, confidence, and vitality, so I can fully be present in the moments that matter most.”

When your intention is rooted in soul truth rather than pressure or expectation, it becomes sacred. Your Big Why then acts as an energetic anchor — gently guiding you back whenever doubt, fear, or old patterns arise.

This is where real transformation begins: not from forcing change, but from remembering who you are and what your spirit is calling you toward 🌿

How to Discover Your Big Why

Finding your big why requires reflection and honesty. Here are practical steps to uncover it:

1. Reflect on Your Values

Think about what truly matters to you. Is it health, family, freedom, creativity, or something else? Your big why should align with your core values.

2. Visualize Your Future

Imagine your life after achieving your resolution. How do you feel? What has changed? This visualization helps clarify the emotional payoff.

3. Ask “Why?” Multiple Times

Start with your goal and ask why it’s important. Then, ask why again to each answer. This technique digs deeper into your motivations.

4. Write It Down

Put your big why in writing. Seeing it on paper makes it more real and serves as a reminder when motivation fades.

5. Share Your Why

Tell a trusted friend or family member. Sharing your purpose creates accountability and support.

Examples of Big Whys for Common Resolutions

Exercise regularly Big why: To support my mental and emotional wellbeing, release built-up stress, and feel grounded and present in my body so I can show up fully for my family.

Eat healthier Big why: To nourish my body with care, reduce the risk of illness, and have the energy and vitality to enjoy a long, active life with the people I love.

Save money Big why: To create a sense of safety and stability, reduce financial worry, and give myself the freedom to travel, rest, and experience life with ease.

Learn a new skill Big why: To grow in confidence, honour my curiosity, and open myself to new opportunities that support my purpose and future path.

Using Your Big Why to Stay Motivated

Once you identify your big why, use it to maintain momentum:

Create reminders Place notes, affirmations, or images that symbolise your why somewhere you’ll see them daily—your mirror, phone background, journal, or altar.

Break goals into smaller steps Focus on tiny, achievable actions and celebrate each one. Every step forward is a way of honouring your deeper intention.

Revisit your why regularly Check in weekly or monthly. Reflect on how your why still feels in your body and heart, and let it gently renew your commitment.

Adjust goals if needed Your why may evolve as you do. Give yourself permission to adjust your goals so they continue to feel aligned, supportive, and true to you.

✨ Encouragement:

Momentum doesn’t come from pushing—it comes from remembering why you started and choosing yourself again and again.

A journal open with handwritten notes about personal goals and motivation

Overcoming Common Challenges

Even with a strong why, obstacles arise. Here’s how to handle them:

• When motivation dips

Recall your big why and the feelings it evokes. Take a short break or try a new approach.

• When life gets busy

Prioritize small actions that connect to your why, even if time is limited.

• When setbacks happen

View setbacks as learning moments, not failures. Reaffirm your why and adjust your plan.

The Power of Purpose in Habit Formation

Research shows that habits rooted in personal values and a sense of purpose are far more likely to stick. When your actions are connected to what truly matters to you, they feel meaningful rather than like another task on your to-do list.

Your big why acts as an anchor. It keeps you steady when motivation dips and reminds you that your habits are in service of something deeper. This emotional connection helps your brain associate positive feelings with your actions, making consistency feel more natural and sustainable over time.

✨ Encouraging reminder:When you lead with purpose, discipline softens into devotion—and small daily choices become acts of self-respect.

Final Thoughts on Finding Your Big Why

You don't need to set a New Year's resolutions, this isn't about once a year thing, you can start at any time, you can pivot and see what aligns with you but without a clear big why is like starting a journey without a map. Your big why provides direction, motivation, and resilience. By investing time to discover and connect with your deeper purpose, you increase your chances of lasting success.