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The Why Not You Philosophy
We all have goals we believe to be out of our reach. But why can’t you see yourself at the finish line? What limitations has your belief system put on you? Are you willing to change your views on the matter? By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge necessary to embody the Why Not You Philosophy and foster real changes in your life.
The true key to achieving your goals and becoming the best version of yourself is something you were never taught. You’ve heard phrases like, “There is no substitute for hard work,” or “I never dreamt of success, I worked for it,” and especially, “Hard work always pays off.” But before I fully introduce the Why Not You philosophy, I need to be honest with you: hard work alone doesn’t always pay off. If it did, everyone would achieve their dreams. In reality, relentless effort without the right mindset can lead to frustration, burnout, and even giving up. So, what’s missing? Why do some people push themselves day after day, only to fall short? In my eyes, the answer lies in adopting the Why Not You mindset—because belief in yourself is just as crucial as the effort you put in.
Apply Why Not You to Your Life
The dreams I’m referring to can be as simple as fixing your sleep schedule. Small goals often serve as stepping stones to bigger ones—like how improving your sleep can enhance recovery and performance in the areas you want to grow. As a freshman track athlete in college, I set an ambitious goal: to earn a top-three podium spot in the 400m hurdles at our conference meet. It felt impossible. No freshman had ever done it. I made countless mistakes and literally fell on my face more times than I can count. But by following these five steps, I turned that goal into reality—exactly as I envisioned.
“Why not me? I saw it before it happened. I believed it before they did. And then, I made it real.”
Step 1: Identify Your Doubts
Self-doubt is a factor in all of our lives. For some, it’s a bigger obstacle, while for others, it’s smaller. However, to start thinking in a way that benefits your goals, you first have to assess your doubts. Recognize that they aren’t truths. Your doubts are protective barriers you’ve created to avoid stress, but those same barriers are what’s stopping you from seeing your dreams become reality. Stress can actually be a privilege, and managing that stress is key.
Take a look at the excuses getting in the way of your goals. Remember our sleep analogy—you can get more sleep, but you might say things like, “I don’t have enough time,” “I’m too busy,” or “I’ll start tomorrow.” These excuses are just like your doubts—they’re comfort zones designed to shield you from discomfort or change. But here’s the truth: the stress of pursuing your dreams will always feel less burdensome than the regret of never trying.
Recognize these excuses for what they truly are—temporary obstacles, not permanent roadblocks. Once you do, you’ll have the power to move forward, turning your doubts into belief and transforming your mindset for success.
Step 2: Visualize Your Success
Many of us face intense pressure due to our ambitions, leading to anxiety-driven visualizations of worst-case scenarios. This often fuels self-doubt—causing people to abandon their dreams altogether. Constantly fighting against the current is exhausting, but shifting your perspective can change everything. Instead of resisting, channel your persistence into new territory. The next crucial step in your journey is mastering visualization rather than letting it control you.
As an athlete, I have to use visualization to get my head and actions straight. Once you’re on the line, you only get one chance. However, I’ve been on this line hundreds of times. Because of visualization, I am prepared and in control of my emotions. You can do this too. We visualize everyday but when and how we do it matters.
Having a clear, well-structured plan for achieving your goals is essential. Research supports this—Yoko Munezane conducted a study on the effects of goal-setting and visualization in professional performance. The study divided participants into three groups: one focused solely on goal-setting, another on visualization, and a third combined both. The results showed that the group using both goal-setting and visualization experienced the highest boost in motivation and confidence. This reinforces the power of pairing a concrete plan with mental imagery—when you can see yourself succeeding and have a roadmap to follow, you significantly increase your chances of making it a reality.
Step 3: Act Without Permission
The time to act is now. We all grew up receiving advice on how to live, only to suddenly be released into a world where no one prepares you for ultimate freedom. You must shed the belief that you need permission to pursue your dreams—whether that means launching your own business, embarking on a new career, or simply improving your health and mindset. No one else can generate your ideas or visualize your success for you. If you have a vision for the life you want, it’s time to make it real.
Many people hesitate to take action because they’re waiting for approval—whether from society, family, or even their own self-doubt. But if you constantly seek validation, you’ll never move forward. The truth is, the most successful people didn’t wait for someone to tell them they were ready. They started before they felt prepared.
My Experience
I remember a time when I was just coasting through life, with no real ambitions of my own. I told myself I was simply living in the moment, but deep down, something felt off—like I was missing a greater purpose. There was no real fulfillment. That feeling pushed me to reflect on what truly mattered to me. The answer was clear: athletics. Once I acknowledged my passion, I started thinking about the goals I could build around it. From that moment on, every step I took toward those goals fueled my fire. But first, I had to ignite the spark myself.
Action doesn’t have to be a massive leap—it can start small. If you want to be a writer, write your first blog post. If you want to be an entrepreneur, brainstorm your first business idea. If you want to improve your fitness, commit to a 10-minute workout today. When I discovered my passion for athletics and made goals for myself, I realized that momentum builds through consistent action, not waiting for the perfect moment. The only real difference between those who succeed in Why Not You and those who don’t, is the willingness to start.
Step 4: The Why Not You Environment
You know failing is inevitable. How you handle your setbacks is essential to success. But its not as hardcore as you think. There are limitations to how much we can handle. This is a universal rule for us all. I could take the advice of everyone around me and tell you to tough it out and stand back up. The truth is we will not be able to get up on our own every time efficiently. Without the right environment you could end up staying down or get up weaker.
Your Inner Circle
The people you spend time with either build you up or tear you down—there’s no in-between. If you’re surrounded by doubt and negativity, it’s only a matter of time before you start thinking the same way.
- Find people who challenge and inspire you.
- Cut back on time with those who constantly complain or make excuses.
- Look for constructive criticism instead of being belittled
Filter What You Feed Your Mind
Everything you listen to, watch, and read is shaping how you think. If your environment is full of distractions, negativity, or content that doesn’t align with your goals, it’s time to make a change.
- Follow people who embody the “Why Not You” mindset.
- Replace mindless scrolling with books, podcasts, or content that adds value.
- Set aside time for leisure. I love gaming and doing yoga. Find your leisure
Build Systems That Keep You Moving
Motivation isn’t always there, but discipline and structure can keep you locked in. Set up your environment so that progress is the default.
- Set up a routine that makes success automatic. The best way to do this is by starting small—make your bed every morning.
- Write down everything you want to succeed in today. Everything from homework, to meetings, to cleaning.
- Tracking things like your water intake and diet can give you the assurance you need that your doing whats necessary
“When I discovered my passion for athletics and made goals for myself, I realized that momentum builds through consistent action, not waiting for the perfect moment.”
Works Cited
MUNEZANE, YOKO. “Enhancing Willingness to Communicate: Relative Effects of Visualization and Goal Setting.” The Modern Language Journal, vol. 99, no. 1, 2015, pp. 175–91. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43651884. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
Great article!
Solid stuff, feel very motivated now.
So much of this article resonates with my own life, I can adapt to this mindset if I believe in myself and never give up. Thank you for sharing your experience and research!