Motivation, motivation... where for art thou, motivation?

People come to me and frequently tell me that they appreciate the fact that I post a lot of motivational quotes and thoughts on my Facebook page. Motivation is so important to a health and fitness journey! I feel so strongly about this that I flood myself with it day in and day out. I follow people that inspire me and work hard to do the same for others. Without motivation, what is going to make you get off the couch and start moving?

When I tell people that I woke up one day and was tired of crying before leaving the house and going out with my husband so I started on my journey, it is the truth. However, I often don't get the opportunity to tell them about the months... years... prior that I would be "motivated" for a month. I tried again and again. Sound familiar? My goal with the post is for you to have your final straw moment NOW.

Think about your health and fitness goals. What does your realistic dream body look like? I say realistic because we all have different bodies and bone structures. I will never be a size 0, my hips were made for birthing kids (ha!). My dream body is free of rolls, is healthy, and is muscular. I want to be toned but don't want to pressure myself into having a thigh gap. What about you? Do you want to see your abdominal muscles defined? Want to have ripped arms? Want to be able to get up the stairs without losing your breath? Think about what this looks and feels like and write it down NOW.

Next step.. who in your life would benefit from you achieving this besides you? Would you be able to give yourself more lovingly and confidently to your spouse? Be able to run with your kids instead of telling them mommy will just watch? Will you be able to have more time to give back to your community? Be able to be more present in the lives of your loved ones instead of hiding in your home, afraid of what others will think? WHO will you be able to give more love to if you just love yourself more? Write down their names.

Now I want you to combine those goals and names into ACTION STATMENTS. Here's an example: "I will lose 40 pounds in 2014. When I am 40 pounds lighter, I will love myself. I will be more present in my children's lives because I will be able to play with them and spend quality time without feeling bad about myself. I will be a more loving wife to my husband because I will feel confident that I am worth his affection. I will be more stable financially because my improved body image will give me the confidence that is required to move up in my company. All of these things will happen when I lose 40 pounds."

This is the motivation that will FUEL your success. Write down the way you will feel when you achieve you goal and the names of those it will affect then go hang it on your fridge or bathroom mirror. Look at it every day. Every time you want to give up, go read it. It is going to be reignite the fire in your heart that is urging you to start today!

 

“Of course motivation is not permanent. But then, neither is bathing; but it is something you should do on a regular basis.” - Zig Ziglar