Once again, the Winter Olympics were as thrilling as they were unpredictable.
While the athletes were awe-inspiring, one common theme resurfaced. Mental health is as essential to excellence as physical health. At the heart of it all is the power of why.
And Why Is That? (Sorry, couldn’t resist)
According to best-selling author and motivational speaker, Simon Sinek, most of our habits and routines are instinctual. We move through life on autopilot, often repeating behaviors we do not fully understand. Some of those habits quietly shorten our lifespan, increase mental stress, and pull us further away from our goals.
When we become more aware of what makes us tick, we make better choices. Healthier ones. Choices that not only support success but also bring happiness.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – JANUARY 08: Ilia Malinin competes in the Men’s Short Program during the 2026 United States Figure Skating Championships.
Pressure without purpose
One of the most talked-about Olympic moments involved Ilia Malinin. Steve and I had watched him profiled on CBS Sunday Morning, where he came across as relaxed, grounded and cool as a cucumber. That energy showed up beautifully during the team competition, where his performance played a key role in securing gold for the team
As Sinek would say…Ilia’s why was clear. Love of the sport. Loyalty to his teammates.
Unfortunately, Ilia’s individual competition was very different.
His talent and preparation were still there. As the weight of expectation from the media mounted, his performance tightened, and his confidence crashed. He finished an astonishing eighth place.
His purpose and love of the sport were drowned out by pressure from the outside.
Powerhouse Olympic Women’s Gold Medalist, Alysa Liu
Purpose reclaimed
Alysa Liu’s story offers a delightfully different ending.
At sixteen, she was at the top of her game, winning major competitions and carrying enormous expectations. Under mounting pressure from coaches and the system around her, she fell out of love with the sport and walked away.
Then something in her shifted.
On a family ski trip, Alysa felt the rush of speed and realized she missed the adrenaline and joy of movement. She decided to return. But this time, she did it on her terms. She built her own team and chose her own music, costumes, and hairstyle (!!). She also refused to be defined by the number on the scale. (Love it!)
The result? Alysa became the first American woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating in 24 years. Atta girl!
Have you lost your mojo?
If staying on track feels harder than it should, it’s not about willpower or discipline. It likely means your why has drifted out of sight.
Here are six grounding ideas Simon Sinek offers to help reconnect with it.
1. Your why is not a goal. It is a cause.
These type of goals expire:
“Run a marathon.”
“Going on a beach vacay.”
A why is a belief that keeps pulling you forward when motivation dips.
“I move because I want to feel strong and youthful”
“I move because I want to travel, play sports, and go on adventures for decades to come”
2. Your why already exists.
Simon says, We do not invent your purpose. We discover it.
Look backward. Notice moments you felt proud, fulfilled, or deeply energized. These patterns reveal what truly matters to you.
3. Language matters more than intensity.
How you talk about your why shapes how your nervous system responds.
“I have to work out” creates resistance.
“I want to get my work out” supports who you are becoming.
4. Your why must be shared out loud.
Say it. Write it. Share it with friends and family.
A why kept silent rarely changes behavior. A why spoken gains traction.
5. Your why should feel energizing, not heavy.
If it feels pressured, it is likely borrowed.
If it feels grounding or clarifying, it is yours.
6. Alignment beats willpower.
People often think they lack discipline. Sinek argues they lack alignment.
When why, how, and what are in sync, consistency becomes far less exhausting.
Love this!
Our Mojo village may not be filled with Olympians, but we are surrounded by brave, fierce people with deeply personal whys.
“I’ve had cancer. I want to get stronger.”
“I’m grieving, and this helps me get out of my head.”
“I manage depression, and this keeps my stress in check.”
“I want to keep up with my children and grandchildren.”
“I want to hike, travel, play golf, pickleball, and dance.”
If your mojo feels lost, it is a signal, not a failure.
No one can find your why for you. Motivation does not magically appear. It begins with a decision. Putting on the sneakers. Taking the baby steps, kicks, and shimmies forward.
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