Before you think about calories, carbs, or what to buy at the grocery store, there’s one question you need to answer: Why do you want to lose weight?
It’s not just about the number on the scale. Real, lasting change starts when you understand the deeper reasons behind your journey—your why. That inner motivation is what will keep you going when things get tough.
Getting clear on your personal “why” is one of the most powerful steps you can take at the start of your journey. It’s not just about the number on the scale. It’s about uncovering the real reason this change matters to you.
I always ask people to tell me what their ‘why’ is, and that why cannot be weight loss.
Kristin Kirkpatrick, RDN
OrderlyMeds Nutrition Expert
Kristin encourages her clients to connect their goals to something more profound, like having more energy, supporting long-term heart health, or maintaining cognitive strength as they age. These personal reasons are far more powerful than any calorie count.
If one thing is certain, it’s that there is going to come a time when you don’t really feel like doing this anymore… That’s why figuring out your personal ‘why’ is critical. It’s what keeps you moving forward when motivation fades.”
Dr. Katie Rickel
OrderlyMeds Mental Health Expert
Why Your “Why” Matters
Motivation is a feeling—it comes and goes. But your why is the anchor that keeps you grounded.
- It reminds you why this journey matters, especially on tough days.
- It helps you stay committed long after the excitement wears off.
- It turns your weight loss into something meaningful and lasting.
Without a clear why, it’s easy to slip back into old patterns. With it, you have a compass to guide you.
Finding Your Why: A Guided Exercise
This powerful reflection is adapted from Dr. Rickel’s 30-Day Milestone Workbook and is designed to help you connect with the deeper reasons behind your journey.
Instructions:
Take out a journal, open a notes app, or grab a blank document. Spend a few quiet minutes writing short responses to the prompts below. Be honest with yourself. There are no wrong answers.
- How do you feel when you wake up in the morning?
- What are the hardest parts of your day?
- What activities or goals have you been putting off until you feel more comfortable in your body?
- How has your professional life been affected by your weight or health?
- What physical discomforts (aches, fatigue, etc.) do you experience regularly?
- How is your health affecting your ability to show up for your family or friends?
- What have you avoided—socially, physically, or emotionally—because of your weight?
- What will your life look like a year from now if you don’t make a change?
- What do you want to experience in the next 10 years in a healthier body?
Once you’ve answered these, review your responses and look for themes. Then complete this sentence:
“I want to lose weight so that…”
This framing matters. As Dr. Rickel explains:
The ‘so that’ makes this more real and more actionable. It defines how your life will be different on the other side of your weight loss and becomes a powerful reminder to keep going—even when it’s inconvenient.”
Dr. Katie Rickel
OrderlyMeds Mental Health Expert
Keep Your “Why” Visible
To keep your motivation strong, place your “why” somewhere you’ll see it daily:
- Write it on a post-it for your bathroom mirror
- Make it the lockscreen on your phone
- Put it on your fridge, dashboard, or desk
Seeing your why—even for a few seconds a day—can strengthen your resolve and reconnect you with your purpose.
Final Thought
Weight loss isn’t just about shrinking your body. It’s about expanding your life. By finding your why, you’re taking the first and most important step toward lasting transformation.
You don’t just want a smaller body in the same exact life. Give yourself the opportunity to think bigger and brighter.”
Dr. Katie Rickel
OrderlyMeds Mental Health Expert
Content sourced from Kirstin Kirkpatrick’s webinar, Structuring Your Dietary Pattern, and Dr. Katie Rickel’s Mindset Milestone 30-60-90 Workbook
