Motivation: You Need It To Succeed

Motivation Is The Key To Your Health

Have you ever seen someone with an amazing physique and wondered why they were in such great shape while you're left struggling with your weight? It doesn't seem fair that they have achieved what you want to achieve so badly as well. What are they doing that you aren't? What do they know that you don't? If you boil it down to the most basic level, the answer is quite simple. Fad Diet? Pills? Genetics??

NOPE!

Sure, a select few may have good genes, but if we really break it down, the real missing link between you and your ideal body is...MOTIVATION. 
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I Need More Motivation

A healthy dose of motivation, coupled with sheer determination, can be the driving force you need to accomplish almost anything in life. So how do you know if you're genuinely motivated?  Let's be honest, if you were already genuinely motivated towards your health goals, you would already have the transformation you are looking for, unless of course, you are just getting started.  But here is a list of things motivated people have:

• Motivation will tell you to get out of bed for your early workout (and go to bed early enough to get enough rest).
• Motivation makes the decision between burgers and fries or grilled chicken and side salad easy when you're eating out with friends.
• Motivation makes healthy breakfast every morning a habit.
• Motivation makes a sweat drenched workout exciting.
• Motivation constantly reminds you of why you are pushing yourself.

If your motivation levels are lacking, and you are struggling with the things on our list, read the following four steps to turn up your motivation in order to reach everything you want to accomplish.
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Step #1: Pinpoint Your Motivator. 
Motivation starts with having a serious goal. What is your goal? Why do you want to get into great shape?

And more importantly, motivation stems with having a "Why".  This why is the emotional reason behind your goal.  The stronger you can dig down to uncover your emotional attachment to your goals, the stronger your motivation will be to push forward, sacrifice old habits and achieve your goals. 

Once you uncover your personal motivator and why, you'll find that motivation quickly flows your way . 

Take a minute now to really uncover your reason(s) for wanting to be healthier and more fit.  Try not to be vague during this. Really dig deep, and be brutally honest with yourself.  Figure out those specific motivators and attach your powerful WHY. 

Here are some possible motivators...

• I want to have more energy to play with my kids instead of getting out of breath and having to watch them play.
• I want to avoid the health problems other people in family have gone through. (medical issues, surgeries, death, etc...)
• I want my significant other to be attracted to me again, and look at me the same way they did when we first met.
• I want to restore my confidence to wear anything I choose instead of feeling the need to cover up.
• I want to enjoy my life instead of constantly having aches and pains from never moving.
• I want to live my life as a movie instead of watching and wishing all the time. 

Step #2: Make It Official.
Now that you have taken some time to pinpoint your motivator and your whys, write them down.  When you write something down, not only does it feel official, like a contract with yourself, it is also a tangible thing now that you are able see and visualize!  Write down your motivators and your whys for getting into great shape, and post them where you will see it often, or in places where you need that extra motivation.

Post them on your bathroom mirror so you can see them each morning as you are starting your day, and each night before bed, so you will have those visualization throughout your sleep.  Post them on your refrigerator or pantry, to keep you on track when you are making dinner or looking for snacks.  Post them on your computer screen at work, so you will be reminded all day long.  

Each time you see your written motivators take a brief moment to visualize yourself accomplishing your goal and the steps you need to get there. Try to make the scene as clear in your mind as possible. This is a powerful tool for maintaining your focus and direction. 

Step #3: Be Practical.
Now that you know what your goals are, and why you want to accomplish them, its time to create your game plan for achieving them. When coming up with this game plan, you will need to create both short and long-term goals to keep you on track.  More importantly, you will need to create practical and achievable actions for yourself.  There is no way you can lose 50 lbs in a month.  So if 50 lbs is your ultimate goal, perhaps you focus on losing 2 lbs a week for 25 weeks. 

With any health goal it is important to consume a healthy diet, and have a consistently challenging exercise program.  When planning this routine, make sure it fits into your schedule to avoid conflicts before you start.  Also, choose an exercise program that you enjoy - don't force yourself to jog everyday if you hate jogging. There are so many options out there, you should be able to find something you enjoy and look forward to. 

Step #4: Tell Others. 
Enlist the support of your friends, family and co-workers. Tell everyone about your goal to lose weight and/or get fit. By making your goals public, not only will it motivate you to stay on track since you've told everyone, you'll also be surprised how supportive most people will be. By being open about your goals you'll likely be an encouragement for others to make healthy changes in their own lives, and perhaps find some new workout buddies who will in turn help keep you on track. 

If you need help coming up with your motivating goals, or whys, let me know and we can get it figured out!

Dedicated to Making Healthy Your Habit,
​Mychael

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