5 Whys

Many issues and questions will cross your path in life. Today we’re going to go over one of the simplest and repetitive yet effective problem solving methods in existence. Let’s talk about the 5 whys method.

But Why?

The 5 whys method is as simple as it is effective. You simply ask “why?” a minimum of 5 times whenever you are confronted with something you don’t know the answer to. Let’s apply it here:

Why did you write this blog post?

Because I wanted to share this method with the world.

Why?

Because I want to contribute to people bettering themselves.

Why?

Because it is fulfilling for me.

Why?

Because seeing others grow and improve due to my actions is my greatest reward in life.

Why?

Because I believe there is nothing greater than being responsible for someone else improving.

The potential applications of this method are limitless. It can be applied in your career, in your personal life, and, perhaps most importantly, to your own personal choices.

Ask Yourself First

Now that you have this powerful too, you may want to begin applying it everywhere. The most powerful application of this method, however, is to use it on yourself. Start by asking yourself why you want to use it anywhere else, on anyone or anything else. Root out your own motivations. They may not be as benevolent as you had wanted to believe.

Take it beyond that, though. Ask yourself why you are doing the things that you are. Why are you on the path in life that you are? Why do you make the choices that you do? Spend even a single day in this kind of introspective reflection, and you will know yourself far better than you did before you started.

What Are Your Answers?

As always, I want to hear from all of you. Tell us about the answers you’ve gotten when you’ve asked why, where, how…and why.