The Reason Respecting Because of Why
Giving a genuine reason for a request or goal can help others understand it and remind you why it matters. Use 'because' as a prompt to make that reason explicit.
THE IDEA
The Reason Respecting Because of Why
When making a request, explain why it matters. When motivating yourself, identify what makes the task worth doing. The word because can prompt you to supply a reason; its usefulness depends on what follows it.
If you have been putting off mowing the lawn, start a list with "I need to mow my lawn because..." and add the benefits that matter to you, such as keeping the yard usable or finishing a neglected chore.
The same exercise can connect a goal to a personal incentive. The prompt "I need to complete my goal because my goal for today is to take 30,000 steps by the time I go to bed because..." uses an illustrative walking target. Complete it with your own reasons for pursuing the goal, then consider whether those reasons justify the effort.
When to use it
Persuading a colleague to help with a project by stating, 'Can you review this report because your expertise will catch errors I might miss.'
Motivating yourself to exercise by listing, 'I need to work out because it boosts my energy, improves my mood, and helps me sleep better.'
Encouraging a friend to try a new hobby by saying, 'You should join the class because it's a great way to meet people and learn a skill.'
Overcoming procrastination on a difficult task by writing down three 'because' reasons for why completing it matters to you.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Mowing the Lawn
When lacking motivation to mow your lawn, start a list: 'I need to mow my lawn because...' and add each incentive you will gain, such as a tidy yard, exercise, or satisfaction.
Daily Step Goal
For an illustrative goal of 30,000 steps, complete the sentence 'I need to complete my goal because...' with a personal reason. The exercise helps you examine why you want that goal and whether it is worth pursuing.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a task you've been avoiding. Write down three 'because' reasons to start it. How does the framing change your motivation?
Recall a time you successfully persuaded someone. Did you unknowingly use a 'because' reason? How could you apply this model in future requests?
When you talk yourself out of a goal, what internal reasons do you give? How can you counter them with 'because' statements that highlight benefits?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)