Finding your TRUE GOAL

Finding your TRUE GOAL

Investments| Finance| Lifestyle
September 02, 2025•5 min read

Published Date: September 02, 2025

Published By: Jac Cantos, Upcloud Accounting

Here is a step-by-step framework to drill down to your true goal. 

The "5 Whys" Technique (To Find the Root "Why") 

This is the most powerful tool to uncover the underlying motivation. Don't stop at the first answer. 

Example: 

  • Vague Goal: "I want to start a blog." 

  • Why #1? "To make money." 

  • Why #2? "To have more financial freedom." 

  • Why #3? "So I can quit my job and have more control over my time." 

  • Why #4? "So I can travel and work from anywhere." 

  • Why #5? "To live a life of adventure and freedom without being tied to one location." 

True Goal Revealed: The true goal isn't just "start a blog." It's "achieve location independence through a sustainable income source." This clarity might lead you to choose a different path altogether (e.g., freelancing, YouTube, remote work) instead of a blog. 

Your Turn: Write down your initial goal and ask "Why?" consecutively until you hit a core emotional driver (freedom, security, impact, growth, connection). 

 

The SMART Goal Test (To Make It Actionable) 

Once you have the root "why," shape it into a clear target using the SMART criteria. A true goal is: 

Specific (What exactly do I want to accomplish?) 

Measurable (How will I know I've succeeded?) 

Achievable (Is this realistic with my resources?) 

Relevant (Does this align with my core "Why" from the exercise above?) 

Time-bound (What is the deadline?) 

Example: 

  • Vague Goal: "Get healthier." 

  • SMART Goal: "I will be able to run a 5K in under 30 minutes by October 15th by following a 8-week training plan and running three times per week." 

Your Turn: Run your goal through the SMART filter. Does it pass? If not, refine it. 

 

The "What Would That Give Me?" Question (To Uncover Values) 

This is a gentler variant of the "5 Whys." For every goal, ask: "If I achieve this, what would that ultimately give me?" 

The answer is usually a core value: 

Freedom • Security • Respect • Love • Confidence • Impact • Peace • Growth • Connection 

Example: 

  • Goal: "Get a promotion." 

  • What would that give me? "More respect from my peers." (Value: Respect) 

  • Or... "A higher salary." → "What would that give me?" → "Financial security for my family." (Value: Security) 

Knowing the underlying value (e.g., security vs. respect) helps you evaluate if this is the right goal to pursue for your happiness. 

 

The Obstacle Preview (To Test Commitment) 

Often, we discover how true a goal is by looking at what it will cost us. Ask yourself: 

"What is the hardest thing about achieving this goal? Am I willing to endure that?" 

  • If your goal is to "run a marathon," the hardest part might be waking up at 5 a.m. for months to train in the winter. 

  • If your goal is to "start a business," the hardest part might be facing rejection and financial uncertainty. 

If you're not willing to face the hardest part, it's not your true goal right now. That's okay! It allows you to either adjust the goal or choose a different one that you're truly committed to. 

 

A Practical Exercise: The Goal Clarification Canvas 

Grab a notebook and answer these questions: 

  • The Vague Desire: What is the initial, fuzzy goal? (e.g., "Start a side hustle") 

  • The Root "Why": Use the 5 Whys. What is the core driver? (e.g., "To feel creative and have an extra $1000/month for travel") 

  • The SMART Goal: Reframe it. (e.g., "I will launch an Etsy store selling 3D-printed planters and make my first $1000 in profit within 4 months.") 

  • The Value: What core value does this serve? (e.g., "Creativity and Freedom") 

  • The Cost: What is the biggest obstacle? (e.g., "Learning the software and spending weekends producing inventory.") 

  • The First Step: What is the very first, tiny action I can take? (e.g., "Research top-selling items on Etsy for 20 minutes tonight.") 

How AI Can Help You Clarify Your Goal 

You can use these prompt formulas with ChatGPT or your preferred AI: 

  • "Act as a life coach. Help me clarify my goal of [Your Vague Goal]. Ask me the 5 Whys to help me find my root motivation." 

  • "I have a goal to [Your Goal]. Help me turn this into a SMART goal." 

  • "What are some potential hidden obstacles or costs associated with achieving [Your Goal]?" 

Final Thought: A true goal is not just an outcome; it's an outcome that is deeply aligned with your values, whose cost you are willing to pay, and that is clearly defined enough to act upon. The time you spend clarifying your goal is never wasted, it saves you from years of climbing the wrong ladder. 

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Disclaimer: This article or blog is only for general knowledge and guidance and is not a substitute for an expert opinion. For technical advice, please consult your tax / legal advisor for your specific business concerns. For comments, suggestions, and feedback, feel free to email us at [email protected].

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