Your Final Cause: 7-Minute Exercise

A guided study tool for discovering your deepest leadership motivation

The 5 Whys
Progress Through Exercise
1
Write Your Initial Answer
Minutes 1-2

Start here. Don't overthink this answer. Write down the first thought that comes to mind when you answer this question:

"Why did I choose my profession or position?"

Common starter answers: "to help people," "to lead effectively," "to build something," "to make a difference"

💡 What to Expect
Your first answer will likely be surface-level and socially acceptable. That's perfect. Everyone starts here. This is just the beginning—the script before the story.
2
Ask Why Four More Times
Minutes 3-5

Below each answer, write "Why?" and answer honestly. Keep peeling back layers. By the fourth or fifth why, you'll feel the difference. The answer will be more specific, more personal, and more true.

1
Your Initial Answer
-
↓ Why?
2
Why does that matter to you?
↓ Why?
3
Why is that important to you personally?
↓ Why?
4
Why does that resonate so deeply?
↓ Why?
5
And at the deepest level, why does that matter to you?
🎯 The Turning Point
You're looking for the moment when the answer surprises you—when it hits something real. By question 4 or 5, the social script is exhausted. That's when raw truth emerges. You might feel emotion. You might think of someone. That's exactly what should happen.
3
Name Your Final Cause
Minutes 6-7

Read back through your five answers. The final one—the deepest one—that's your final cause. This is the core truth that's been driving you all along.

✨ This Moment Matters
You've just named something that may have been driving you for years without you consciously knowing it. That's powerful. That's real. This is not a mission statement you created for a board meeting. This is the actual truth of what moves you as a leader. Honor that.
4
Build Your Therefore Chain
The Bridge to Action

Your final cause is only half the equation. Now reverse direction. Build the bridge from your deepest why to your Monday morning. This is where inspiration becomes action.

My Final Cause Is:
Therefore, I must...
Therefore, I Must:
Example: "Build a culture where every person is genuinely seen and developed"
Therefore, I will...
Therefore, I Will:
Example: "Have regular one-on-ones where I listen more than I speak"
Therefore, my team can expect...
Therefore, My Team Can Expect:
Example: "My full attention, honest feedback, and visible investment in their growth"
Therefore, when crises hit...
Therefore, When Crises Hit:
Example: "I'll make decisions that protect the growth and dignity of my people"
Therefore, my call to action this week is...
Therefore, My Call to Action This Week Is:
Example: "Schedule that difficult conversation with the person I've been avoiding"
🚀 From Insight to Impact
This chain connects your deepest motivation to your Monday morning actions. It's where inspiration becomes real. Without it, your final cause remains a beautiful thought. With it, you live it. Your team will see the difference. They'll feel the conviction. They'll trust you more deeply.