The “5 Whys” is a problem-solving technique. It simply involves repeatedly asking “why” five times to uncover the root cause of a thought, emotion or problem.
Where is it from?
The 5 Whys technique was developed in the 1930s by Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of the car manufacturer Toyota. It can be applied to business and to emotions and reactions. The idea is simple: ask “why” 5 times, until you get to the root cause of your issue.
Why use the 5 whys?
The Five Whys is a fantastic method to use to get to the core of another person’s beliefs and motivations as well. Sure, you may feel like a four-year-old asking “why” every time a person answers your previous question, but if you stick with it, and give the person you’re talking to the time, space, and permission to really go deep, you should end up with a better understanding.
By using the “5 Whys” technique, you can start to uncover the underlying issues, such as being triggered by past experiences or negative beliefs.
How to use it:
- State the problem or Situation: Clearly define the issue you want to address.
- Ask “why” repeatedly: After each answer, ask “why” again to delve deeper into the reasons behind the previous answer.
- Reach the root cause: The goal is to identify the fundamental reason why the problem exists.
Example:
Being late for an appointment.
- Why 1: You got stuck in a traffic jam at temporary lights.
- Why 2: You weren’t mindful of the distance and allowing for traffic delays.
- Why 3: You were still finishing up tasks before you left.
- Why 4: You didn’t leave early enough.
- Why 5: You didn’t plan the journey and latest time to leave.
In this case, the root cause seems to be a lack of awareness and planning for time, which leads to the need for mindfulness and setting specific timeframes. You can learn from this in future and take traffic delays into account.
Benefits:
- Identifies root causes: Helps move beyond surface-level issues to find the true underlying problem.
- Improves problem-solving: Provides a structured way to approach problem analysis.
- Enhances efficiency: By addressing the root cause, it prevents the problem from recurring.
- Simpler to use: It’s a straightforward technique that can be applied in various contexts.
- Core Wound. Core wounds are core beliefs or deep hurts from your past that tend to come up repeatedly. They might be thoughts like “I’m worthless” “I don’t belong,” or “I’m not safe.” Sometimes, they relate to a suppressed or bad memory.
- Core Value. Core values or personal values are deep beliefs about what’s important in life. Values include things like; family, honesty, caring, learning, and wisdom. It can be helpful to have an idea of the top three to five most important to you right now. While goals are analogous to a destination you can arrive at, values are akin to directions on a compass and can help orient your action across many situations.
How to use the 5 Whys Technique for Anxiety
To use this technique for anxiety, follow these steps:
- Identify the anxiety trigger. What’s causing you to feel anxious right now?
- Ask yourself “why” five times. With each “why” question, try to drill down deeper into the underlying causes of your anxiety.
- Analyse your answers. Look for patterns or themes in your answers. Are there common underlying issues that are contributing to your anxiety?
- Develop a plan. Once you’ve identified the root causes of your anxiety, develop a plan to address them. This might involve practising relaxation techniques, making lifestyle changes to reduce stress or seeking help.
- Monitor your progress. Keep track of your progress over time. Are your anxiety symptoms improving? If not, you may need to revisit your plan and make adjustments as needed.
Apply the same for Anger, etc.
The Five Whys technique is not just a problem-solving method; it’s a transformational experience. It empowers you to tackle challenges head-on, with a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
