What motivates you?

(Cross-posted at BlogHer)

Every day, you get up, take a shower, make breakfast, make coffee, and get ready for work, school, or other activity in your daily routine.  You probably take the kids to school or to the bus stop.  You water your plants, you plan dinner, and you help a friend.  It’s what most of us do every single day.  We live.  But, what motivates you to do the things you do?

Recently I’ve heard the word “motivation” used in so many negative ways it’s amazing anyone gets up in the morning.   “I just can’t motivate myself to exercise,”  “I’m not motivated enough to plan my routine,” “I’m just not that motivated.”  Yet we get up and do those things we are tasked with, every day. 

So, basically, we choose what motivates us to move.  No picture, motivational quote, short or long term goal, sometimes not even the words of our own doctor is enough to inject us with high powered motivation to exercise and live a healthier lifestyle.  We have to ask ourselves why is it that we would go to the end of the world and sacrifice ourselves for everyone else and not do the same for ourselves. 

As a parent of four, my motivation is to give them nothing to worry about, at least not if I could help it.  I don’t want my kids worrying about my health and wellbeing.  At the same time, I want them to learn from me, therefore, if all they ever see is someone who strives to live a healthy lifestyle then they will be more likely to make similar choices now and later in life.  I know all teens go through some revelation during which time they think they know everything there is to know about life.  But that’s OK, they do grow up and realize they are really not so wise after all. My kids keep me motivated.

Besides my main reason for staying motivated, I have a few other tips that work in tandem- I hope these help you as well and please, share some of your own.

Set realistic goals. Losing no more than 2 lbs a week, increasing the run time, and increasing strength and flexibility are realistic goals; attempting to lose 11 lbs in 3 days, not so.   

Know why you want to be healthy.  Are you exercising because you know is the right thing to do or because someone else keeps saying you should?  What happens when that someone else is no longer there to push you?  Will you stop?

Set yourself up to succeed.  Pack a gym bag with shoes, water, towel, and a healthy snack.  This is one less thing to keep you from going to the gym or going for a walk during lunch hour.  Get rid of the foods that sabotage your healthy eating habits (soft drinks, chips & cookies) and replace them with healthy ones (water, fruits & vegetables.)

Be proud.  Tell your family, your friends and your co-workers.  Stand above the crowd and be proud of the new your that is evolving.  Many will try to sabotage your diet by offering you “just one bite” or “just this once,” but you can’t let that happen.  Stick with your plan, eventually, the saboteurs will both appreciate what you’re doing for yourself and follow suit or they’ll just stay away.  Surround yourself with others who see the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle and who will support you instead.

Stay Well,

(Photo credit: KBetz)

Comments

[Matt]

It can also help to find someone that shares your motivation and keep each other on track. In relation to this, I invite you to review www.comotivate.com

[Matt]

Great advice. It can also help to find someone similar who shares your motivation. I invite you to review www.comotivate.com

[Fitness Surfer]

I'm currently motivated by a dream to go surfing. My true motivation comes from my will power to simply enjoy life. I love my children and know how much easier it is to enjoy them when I have energy, health, and a positive attitude.

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[Zandria]

You HAVE to find what motivates you, or else it's too easy to NOT do whatever it is you don't feel like doing at the moment. Great post. :)

[Leo (Healthy Tips For A Healthy Lifestyle)]

Interesting blog post! Makes you Think.. Hope it inspires people... :)

[Irene]

Great post! Motivation is one of those things that are really misunderstood. Every day we are motivated to do average things.

I am wondering, would you interested in being a guest on my radio show? Let me know.

[email protected]

[Web CRM]

This is great motivation