Ever felt like you wanted to know more about what makes you tick and what guides your choices? For our entire lives, we have been seeking answers to various questions: Why do we behave a certain way, or why does something hurt us? Some of us go through years of therapy for childhood trauma, digging for the reasons that still threaten our sense of security. Some want to know why they pick certain partners or friends — all of it calls for answers. Originally used in organizational and business contexts, the 5 Whys technique has become a highly effective instrument for self-analysis. Today, we’ll discuss what it is and how you can apply it to your specific needs.

What Is the 5 Whys Technique?

Simple in its concept and key processes, the 5 Whys technique is a method of asking yourself “Why?” five times in a row — or more, if needed. This approach is one that many professionals and users of the Liven app alike have found helpful in peeling away the layers that conceal the required answer.

Sakichi Toyoda invented the concept, which later became a staple of the Toyota Production System. However, the idea behind it was compelling enough to be applied to other industries, and today, we can utilize it for not-so-business purposes. Each “Why?” pokes at the answer to the previous one. Here’s how it can look:

“I hate going to such parties.”

Why? “Because I always feel out of place.”

Why? “Because I don’t know what to say and stumble through my words.”

Why? “Because I’m afraid of being in the center of attention.”

Why? “Because it feels like they are judging me.”

Why? “Because it reminds me of when I was bullied as a kid.”

After a few layers of questioning, a simple “I hate parties” becomes something else entirely, showing a deeper issue. 

How to Use the 5 Whys Technique for Self-Understanding

You can apply this method in many contexts, and it all depends on how you approach it. Here are just a few ways in which you can explore your mind and heart. 

Explore Your Unhelpful Habits

A great strategy to understand why you try to smoke, drink, or even self-harm, the 5 Whys technique can be a practical preliminary assessment of what lies beneath. With this approach, you can study not just the behavior but also what needs you were trying to fulfill by engaging in it. For example, a person A analyzes her smoking habits and realizes that she needs a moment to busy herself after a stressful moment. So, she considers replacing this behavior with playing with a fidget toy.

Analyze Your Emotional Responses

Have you ever felt as if your reactions weren’t fully rational, but no matter what you do, you just can’t understand what is going on? With the 5 Whys, you can evaluate the emotional charge behind the situations. The next time you are feeling a strong emotion, stop and ask yourself: Why? 

Interestingly, you can sometimes discover that the initial feeling conceals another one underneath. In other cases, you may find that your sharp reaction stemmed from some inner belief about yourself or others. 

To Finalize a Decision

When you want to choose between several alternatives, you may turn them over in your head and not see much difference. When you use this 5 Whys technique, you can uncover why each of the paths is more viable. 

Here’s an example: 

“I need to choose between job A and job B… and I am afraid of making the wrong decision.”

Why? “Because I need a job that I can like.”

Why? “Because I have spent enough time working in places I hated.”

Why? “Because I wanted to be a good professional and career-oriented person.”

Why? “Because I always thought that I would be a useless worker otherwise.”

Why? “Because I was raised with the notion that I am only as good as my position is.”

To Understand Why You Avoid Something (or Someone)

When you find yourself avoiding something (for example, a task, a person, or even a place), asking “why” repeatedly can uncover hidden fears or outdated beliefs. In such a case, you may find it uncomfortable to discuss this. You may need more than five Whys or multiple attempts. Remember: you can do any number of tries until you uncover the real issue. 

Daily Self-Reflections

The simplicity of this tool allows you to use it regularly, without any particular preparations. If you enjoy journaling, consider incorporating the 5 Whys into it when you are going through a conflict or having a tough day. 

Nonetheless, you can practice this short activity even without writing it down. When you have a free, quiet space all to yourself, talk the situation out aloud, asking yourself, “Why?” and listening to what your mind is saying. Here’s a nuance, though: keep in mind the answers. With repetition, you may forget the exact phrase you used to answer the previous Why. But this exercise requires you to treat each statement as another layer. 

Conclusion

Sometimes, the easiest tools are the most effective. The 5 Whys is a surprisingly unique method to gently nudge at your inner defenses and probe for real answers. Adapt the technique to your personal needs. There’s only one rule: be honest with yourself; you are worth being genuine.