In my experience many people struggle in their endeavors because they fail to ask the fundamental question which is why are doing whatever it is they are doing in the first place. It may seem so obvious why people begin something that asking why doesn't seem necessary. But in fact it is one of several fundamental questions people should ask when they set out to do something.
At the very least, asking the why question confirms a feeling or a need at the outset and gives us the confidence and conviction to proceed and carry us past the starting point. This is crucial to get our mindset in the right place as we begin because everything usually runs smoothly at the beginning, but sure as night follows day inevitably challenges will appear that will test our resolve to continue. This is when we really need to understand why we are doing what we are doing and the value of our 'why' is most important. Having already asked the question at the beginning, it anchors in our mind the purpose for our action and commitment to see things through to the end. As a result we can search back and re-affirm that the purpose is still valid and it is these small mental checks which help carry us through the moments of doubt and uncertainty we invariably will face when things don't go well.
Encompassed in the 'why' question are a few key elements including - what you believe in and how you act on it, where you are going, understanding your core strengths and limitations and knowing how to leverage your strengths and minimize your limitations, and finally learning from experience and controlling what you can. These help create a picture of how to achieve your goals and with them a clear pathway to getting there.
Understanding our 'why' is the foundation that makes all things possible and without it goals are harder or even impossible to attain.