I first encountered the 5 Whys technique during an NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) training years ago, and it stuck with me.

Recently, I revisited it in another training and was reminded just how powerful it can be, especially for women like us, navigating life, career, family, and financial goals across borders and cultures.

At WEMatter, we frequently discuss financial empowerment, resilience, and creating meaningful change. But how do we get to the heart of why we want what we want?

That’s where the 5 Whys come in.

What is the 5 Whys Method?

🌟 Originally developed by Japanese inventor Sakichi Toyoda, the 5 Whys was first used at Toyota to uncover root causes of problems. Today, it’s just as powerful for uncovering the root purpose behind our personal goals.

It’s a simple exercise: you ask yourself “Why?” five times to uncover the real reason behind a goal.

It helps you move from surface-level desires to deep, personal motivations—the ones that sustain us during the hard days.

Let me show you how it works:

🌱Step-by-Step: Applying the 5 Whys

Goal Statement:

“I want to find better employment opportunities.”

That’s a valid and common goal among women in our WEMatter community, especially for those who’ve migrated, restarted, or reinvented themselves.

Now let’s go deeper:

1. Why do you want to find better employment opportunities?
   → To improve my financial stability.
2. Why do you want to improve your financial stability?
   → So I can be financially independent for life.
3. Why is financial independence important to you?
   → Because I want to make my own decisions without relying on others.
4. Why is making your own decisions crucial?
   → So I can live a life that aligns with my values and aspirations.
5. Why is living a life aligned with your values and aspirations important?
   → Because it gives me a sense of autonomy, self-respect, and opportunity to help others.

✨ And there it is. The real “why” behind the goal.

💡 What We Discover When We Dig Deeper

This exercise helps us realise that it’s not just about the job or the money. It’s about creating a life that reflects who you are, what you believe in, and where you want to go.

The core reason?
To live with autonomy, self-respect, and and opportunity to help others.

🎯 Reframing the Goal

Instead of simply saying “I want a better job,” your goal now becomes:

“I want to secure a stable and fulfilling job that enables me to be financially independent, make my own life decisions, and live in alignment with my values so I can help out others.”

See the difference? It’s sharper. Stronger. And it opens the door to specific, actionable steps.

🔧 Turning Purpose into Action

Short-Term Objectives:

• Identify job opportunities that offer financial stability and growth

          → Research local job markets, network, and update your CV

• Enhance relevant skills to increase employability

→ Take online courses, attend trainings, seek mentorship

Mid-Term Objectives:

• Create a personal budget and financial plan

→ Join financial literacy workshops, and use budgeting tools

• Build an emergency fund

→ Start small but stay consistent; aim for 3–6 months’ worth of expenses

Long-Term Objectives:

• Invest in long-term financial tools

→ Explore retirement plans, stocks, or other investments

• Align your career with your values

→ Regularly check in with yourself—Are you fulfilled?

Does this role reflect who you are?

🔁 Monitor. Reflect. Repeat.

One of the most beautiful things about the 5 Whys is that it’s not a one-time thing.

You can use it again and again—as life shifts, as your goals evolve, and as your sense of self deepens.

Use it when you’re stuck. Use it when you feel off-track.

Use it when you’re ready for the next level.

🧭Why This Matters for Women on the Move

When you’re clear on why a goal truly matters to you, not just on the surface, but deep down, it becomes so much easier to stay committed.

You’re not just setting goals because you should; you’re setting them because they speak to something meaningful within you.

And when that emotional connection is strong, you’re more likely to take the next step, even when things get tough.

You’re more willing to push through challenges, to try again, to keep going.

Because now, you’re not just working toward an outcome—you’re building a life that reflects your values, your independence, and your aspirations.

That’s the power of knowing your why.

It keeps you grounded, motivated, and moving forward with intention.

🤝 Let’s Co-Create Something Powerful

At WEMatter, we believe that knowledge becomes truly transformative when it’s shared, practised, and lived in community. If this blog resonated with you and you see the potential of the 5 Whys as a practical tool for reflection, goal-setting, or empowerment, let’s talk.

We’re looking to collaborate with coaches, mentors, educators, community groups, and organisations who care deeply about helping women define their goals and move forward with purpose.

💬 Let’s design a memorable workshop, a guided session, or a conversation circle where we explore the “why” behind our ambitions—and how that clarity can lead to lasting change in our finances, careers, and lives.

Whether you’re a facilitator, an ally, or a fellow woman on the move, your voice matters.

Your experience matters. Let’s build something together.

📩 Reach out to us at info@wematterglobal.com or message us directly on LinkedIn.

Let’s make it happen—because together, we’re stronger, wiser, and unstoppable.