These 3 Questions Will Change Your New Year's Resolution Forever

By Viome Team

When it comes to New Year's resolutions, we've all been there: ambitious goals written in pristine planners, only to be abandoned by February. But what if the secret to lasting change isn't in the what of our goals but in the why? Naveen Jain, founder and CEO of Viome Life Sciences and bestselling author of "The Youth Formula" and "Moonshot," offers a transformative framework for goal-setting that could revolutionize not just our annual aspirations but our entire approach to creating meaningful impact.

"Find something you're willing to die for, and then every minute of your life, live for it," says Jain. This powerful premise forms the foundation of his approach to setting and achieving audacious goals — what he calls "moonshots."

The Power of Three Questions

Instead of rushing to list conventional resolutions, Jain advocates for a more profound approach. By asking yourself three fundamental questions—"Why this?" "Why now?" and "Why me?"—you create a foundation of purpose that transforms fleeting resolutions into meaningful commitments that can change the world.

"Why This?"

The first question cuts straight to the heart of motivation and impact. "If you can find something that can help a billion people live a better life, you can create a hundred billion dollar company," Jain explains. "But you never wake up in the morning and say, what should I do to create a hundred billion dollar company? Making money is simply a byproduct of doing things that improve people's lives."

This question forces you to examine whether your goal truly aligns with creating a meaningful impact. It's about identifying challenges that affect humanity at scale. Research shows that purpose-oriented employees have 64% higher levels of fulfillment in their work compared to those who are not purpose-oriented.1 Being purpose-oriented means that you see work as a source of personal fulfillment and a way to help others rather than solely as a means for income or status

"Why Now?"

Timing isn't just about opportunity—it's about convergence and readiness. "The right time isn't about waiting for perfect conditions," Jain emphasizes. "It's about identifying when you have the necessary insights, resources, and motivation to take meaningful action."

This question helps you understand if you're emotionally and practically prepared for the journey ahead. It's about recognizing the intersection of preparation and opportunity—what Jain calls "convergence points." When these elements align, they create the perfect moment to launch your moonshot.

"Why Me?"

The most powerful of Jain's three questions, "Why me?" goes beyond self-assessment to examine your unique position to create transformative change. "The questions you ask are the problems you solve," Jain emphasizes, pointing to how revolutionary solutions often come from asking fundamentally different questions than everyone else in your field.

Through his work at Viome, Jain demonstrates this principle: While others in the health industry focused on DNA, he asked why and guided Viome to look at RNA instead. While others focused on what organisms exist in our gut, Viome asked what they actually do. These different questions led to breakthrough innovations in personalized nutrition and health optimization.

The "why me" question isn't about ego – it's about honestly assessing what unique combination of experiences, insights, and capabilities makes you possibly the only person who could approach this problem in this particular way.

Move Beyond Resolution Season

The power of these three questions extends far beyond personal goal-setting. They become a compass for navigating life's biggest decisions and opportunities. As Jain demonstrates through his own journey, when you find something that genuinely improves people's lives, success follows naturally.

“Success is not about how much money we have in the bank, but it's about how many people's lives we have impacted through it. He notes. “Success is experienced when we do things which are never done before.”

This approach to goal-setting isn't just about personal achievement—it's about finding your role in advancing humanity. According to research, Jain cites people who live with this kind of purpose tend to live 10-15 years longer than those without a clear purpose.2

Putting It Into Practice

To implement Jain's framework effectively:

Start with Impact:
Ask yourself what you would do if you had everything—money, resources, support. Now, go do that thing!

Question Deeply:
Challenge conventional wisdom in your field. Ask different questions than everyone else.

Think Scale:
Focus on solutions that could help billions of people live better lives.

Live Your Purpose:
Finding your purpose isn't about spending every minute on one thing—it's about creating a lasting and positive impact through your unique contribution.

As we enter another year of possibilities, Jain's three questions offer a compass for navigating our aspirations. "Use the New Year moment to do something that brings joy to someone else's life," he advises, "because that is what's going to bring you joy."

Remember: It's not about having all the answers immediately. The power lies in asking these questions consistently and letting the answers guide your journey toward doing something that truly matters. So before you finalize those resolutions, take a moment to ask: Why this? Why now? Why me? Your answers might be the key to transforming your year and the world.

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