“What is your why?” The different variations of this question are daunting, and take me back to an overly specific memory in basic training. We were day 0 trainees, fresh off the bus shark attack survivors, and were sitting in the 2nd platoon war bay in our barracks. The war bay walls were brick that had been painted red, and the tile floor was cracked. The whole building looked like it should be condemned. 

Our main drill sergeant, Silent Devil (he didn’t yell, which, FYI is much scarier than a yelling DS), had just given us our “last call home.” Before he released us to go to bed, he told us the basic training would test us every hour of every day from start to finish, and we needed to “remember our why” and if we didn’t have one, we needed to make one up. I knew why I joined, but at this moment, staring at the words “DEATH DEALERS ” painted on the red walls in the decrepit old gross looking building, it didn’t matter. When the DS looked away,I scooted back a little behind a large pillar, so that the DS couldn’t see me. I was alone, tired, and surrounded by 17 year olds. 

The number of times we were reminded to fallback on our “why” during basic training is unfathomable, as in, the limit does not exist (IYKYK). It was almost asinine. I understand the reasoning, but I loathed the term during my time there. And surprisingly, my “why” shifted, err, grew, I guess I should say. It went from health insurance for my family (legit the only reason I enlisted), to finishing something hard, to simply getting home.

The simply “getting home” thought was the main driver toward the end. Every PT test I took, each event finished brought me one step closer to seeing my kids. Every lap during the run was one lap closer to hugging my babies. 

This was a very long way for me to explain to you that everything we do in life has a “why.” And sometimes, our “why” needs a few smaller “why’s” to help us along. 

Why do we go to work every day? Probably because bills. Why do we watch our favorite TV show? Entertainment, or comfort perhaps? Why do you workout? Health? Appearance? Mood? All three for me, please. Do you want to lose some pounds? Tell me why. Why is it important, and is it important enough to you to stick with it, even when its hard? Why do you want to hit your protein every day? Or stay in a calorie deficit? All of these little things deserve their very own “why.” If they don’t have their own reason, they will probably get lost in the big picture.

Here is my personal example of a “why” I do the things I do: why do I track my macros? It’s a healthier way to monitor my eating, and keep myself from spiraling back into an eating disorder. Why do I workout? Mental clarity, appearance, vanity, health, and maintaining fitness for my job. Why do I get my nails done? Sometimes I like to feel like a fancy lady. Why am I in the military? Financial security, health insurance, sense of purpose, family, friendship, camaraderie. 

Finding your purpose within your “why” will help you achieve your little goals, which turn into big goals. Even if you have to break it down for yourself every day, or every meal. Remember why you are doing it, why you started in the first place, and why you are still going. Keep your “why” but let it have baby “why’s” along the way.

Until next time my friends!