Do you really want that promotion... or just think you 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥?

Last week, my client told me she wanted to
be promoted to VP. So I asked, “Why?”

She hesitated. Then her eyes widened.
"𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳."

But as we dug deeper, she realized… she didn’t know
exactly why. And she’s not alone.

Many professionals chase the next title, salary
raise, or ‘success’ milestone—because
that’s what they’ve been told to do.

I know, because I’ve been there too.

For years, I pursued things
I 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 I should want, only to achieve
them and wonder… why am I still unfulfilled?

But here’s what I learned:

If you don’t know why you want it,
you might not want it at all.

So how to gain clarity? Ask yourself 5 Whys.

Example 1: Chasing External Validation

1) Why do I want this promotion? → A higher salary.
2) Why do I want a higher salary? → More Recognition.
3) Why do I want recognition? → To feel valued.
4) Why do I need to feel valued? → To be successful.
5) Why does success define my worth? → I fear I’m not
enough without it.

Suddenly, the focus shifts from chasing titles
to building self-confidence.

Example 2: Seeking Meaning

1) Why do I want this promotion? → Responsibility.
2) Why do I want responsibility? → Lead decisions.
3) Why do I want to lead decisions? → Create change.
4) Why does creating change matter? → Feels right.
5) Why does it feel right? → Aligned with my values.

Now, the real desire isn’t about a title—it’s about purpose.

→ Sometimes external factors matter too—maybe you
need a higher salary to support your family. That’s
valid when you’re conscious of it.

But clarity on your ‘why’ changes everything!

It's never about the title.

So next time you set a career goal, ask yourself the
5 Whys. Because success isn’t about following
a script—it’s about defining it for yourself.

P.S. What career goal are you pursuing, and have you
asked yourself why.