The Power of Why Now: Naomi Ketter's Journey

As a documentary filmmaker, I get to ask a lot of questions to a lot of people.

One of my favorites is: Why now?

It forces them to pick the one topic they assume I'm referring to.

It reminds me of a card trick my son, Kyle, would perform as a kid. He'd have us "pick a card – any card." He'd shuffle the deck and then magically produce our card.

Asking 'why now' is like that card trick.

Of all the 52 things in our lives that have our attention (or weigh the heaviest), it prompts us to pick just one. We're forced to hold it in our thoughts and then be amazed when we present it to ourselves through our answers.

Instead of the magician revealing our card, the question forces our subconscious to find the answer: Why now are you trying to do this thing? Why now does it have your attention? Why now have you stopped putting it off?

You've delayed, hesitated, or dreamed about it for years – so why now?

This question makes you focus your attention and sit with your motivations. What regrets will you have if you don't try? What catalyst finally lit this fuse?



As an interviewer, I listen as people reveal which "why now" card they've picked, and I'm always struck by how this simple question unveils the actual face value of their choice.

Recently, this question revealed something extraordinary when I met fifteen-year-old Naomi Ketter while training with her uncle, Kris Estes, a long-time friend and fellow triathlete.

In Naomi's "why now" card, I discovered a story about seizing moments, breaking free from expectations, and finding your own path – even when you're just beginning to define who you are.

Finding Her Why Now: Naomi Ketter's Journey

Kris brought Naomi along for a training swim in Lake Mary a day before she raced her fourth triathlon at the 2024 Mountain Man Olympic Distance Triathlon.

At just 15 years old, Naomi Ketter has already made significant strides in triathlon.

Growing up in a family that cherished athletic pursuits like cross-country, swimming and hiking, Naomi's journey into triathlons was influenced by her uncle, Kris, who introduced her to the sport.

Reflecting on her experiences, Naomi underscores the profound impact of seizing opportunities and the importance of the question, "Why now?"

“Last year was my first Mountain Man Triathlon and my first triathlon ever,” Naomi said. “Someone on my swim team invited me to come and try it with them. They are the family that runs it, and I went and tried it. It was so much fun, and I've done two other ones since then. This year’s Mountain Man Triathlon was my fourth.”

When asked about the significance of 'why now,' Naomi shared her thoughts on the importance of seizing the moment.

“It brings to mind the opportunity – jumping on the opportunity before me. I started in triathlon because of my uncle Kris. He was into it, and I had an opportunity to do it. So, I jumped.”

The question 'why now' has solidified Naomi's resolve to pursue triathlons, highlighting her passion for the sport and her commitment to making the most of the present.

“I love doing it, so why not take the opportunity and enjoy this sport now?” she said.

For Naomi, triathlon is not just about the physical challenge but also about carving out a space that is uniquely hers, separate from her three older sisters.

“It's different because my sisters don't do it. I've done swimming with my sisters some of the time, and cross-country is definitely my sisters’ sport. This is something I do that I do. I'm not doing it because my sisters are doing it.”

This individuality is Naomi’s 'Why Now’ and gives her a sense of ownership and personal accomplishment.

Naomi also reflected on the potential regret she might have faced if she hadn't embraced triathlons when she did.

“I definitely would have felt that I had to stay in the box of doing only cross country or just doing swimming and that I couldn't have really done both. I think I would have regretted it because I would have missed meeting all the people I’ve met and experiencing all these new things.”

Another significant aspect of Naomi's 'Why Now' is the opportunity to train with her uncle Kris, a seasoned Ironman who has qualified and raced at Kona.

“It's super fun to have someone like my uncle Kris to teach me. He's done so much in triathlons; learning from him is amazing. I know he won't always be around to train with me, so I'm lucky to have this time with him now. It makes me want to do my best and soak up everything he can teach me,” Naomi said.

The concept of 'why now' has shaped Naomi's athletic journey and deepened her appreciation for her uncle Kris's guidance and support.

“It's super fun to have somebody you trust to teach you and somebody you enjoy spending time with,” she said.

“It means more coming from somebody who's done the racing and the training - someone who isn’t sugarcoating things too much, someone who cares about you and isn’t being unhealthy about the way to train for it.”

Naomi's story shows the power of asking 'why now?’

“Thinking about 'why now' has made me realize how important it is to grab opportunities when they come,” Naomi said. “It's helped me understand why I love triathlons so much and why I want to do them now, not later. Asking 'why now' made me focus on what's important and why I shouldn't wait to do what I care about. It’s like a reminder that I have this amazing chance to learn from my uncle Kris and to do something I enjoy, without my sisters having to lead the way, and I don't want to miss out on that.”

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So, next time you find yourself at a crossroads or contemplating a new endeavor, ask yourself, "Why now?" You might be surprised at its clarity and direction, helping you uncover the actual face value of the card you’ve picked in your life’s deck.

Only when we face the card does the real magic happen, which starts with asking, “Why now?”