MotivationIs Motivation keeping you from reaching your goals? If we were sitting down together, I know what we would be discussing. Our conversation may go something like this: You'd say, "Kelly, I don't know what's wrong with me? I know I need to lose 15lbs, I know I need to eat better. Why can't I stay out of the chips and chocolate or pick up the weights? I would say "My friend, you are not alone, I know many people in your exact same situation. Together we will come up with a plan to overcome the obstacles that are holding you back. We'll come up with a plan that will give you your motivation and get you your 15lb weight loss", or something like that anyway. How many times do you have that inner battle with yourself? The following tips will help you get motivated and keep that motivation to get started and stick with your exercise program so you can reach your goals and live a strong and healthy life. Tip #1: Goal-Setting We've all heard that we should set goals. To be effective they need to be specific and have a time frame. When you first sit down and think about what you want--set a few goals. Write down where you want to be in 6 months, 3 months, and weekly. If your goal is to lose 15lbs, you will write that in the 6 month spot. In the 3 month spot, write down lose 10lbs, then in you weekly spot you will write down 1lb. It will look like this: 6 months - I will lose 15 lbs by June 30, 2007 Tip #2: Take Action "If you always do what you've always done, you're always going to get what you've always got" I love this quote. If you are overweight, or underweight or just don't like something then you have to take action to change. In this step write down the action steps, the "how to's" to get you to your goals. For example: How will you lose 15 lbs in 6 months? - I will exercise 3-4 times a week for 1/2 hour-45 minutes. I will create better eating habits by cutting my sugar consumption. In 3 months, I will lose 10 pounds by doing 20-30 minutes of cardio 3 days a week and strength training 2-3 times a week for 1/2 hour. I will lose 1 lb of fat per week by eating lean meats and veggies. I will follow the 80:20 rule. 80% of the time eat well, 20% of the time I can have some of my favourite treats. (Note: Be cautious, this is not a lot of space to eat freely and indulge in whatever you want. Be cautious when choosing these types of foods). You can and I suggest you get very specific. Being very specific helps your motivation stay elevated, which helps you be more successful. Write down exactly what exercises you will do, the days and time you will perform them. Keep your appointment with yourself, even better do them with a friend. Sometimes you will have to give yourself a big push, but do it anyway and you will feel great afterward. Tip #3: Choose Activity You Enjoy If you like to ride your bike, or inline skate, then do these for your activity or cardio days. Get the kids, call a friend and get out there and enjoy yourself. You'll have a great time as well as you will be burningcalories and giving your heart a great workout as well. Things sometimes come up, don't worry. Get back on track the next day. Tip #4: Decide Decide what you really want. Do you want to look better? Feel better? Have more energy and confidence? Decide what you want and simply do everything it takes to get you there. You have to want a better, stronger, leaner, healthier body, more than you want the chips, chocolate or ice cream. How badly do you want it? Decide what you want and go for it. You will have challenges and temptations, but your desire to have a lean, sexy, healthy body will get you through it. And for goodness sake, don't do it alone! Tell your spouse, family and friends of your goals so they can all help you get there! You will have more success when you enlist the help of others. If you find your motivation is lacking take and apply these empowering steps, go and set your own goals and start your way to better health. Related Articles Get Fit Fast - Lose your last 10lbs, or your first!New Years Resolution 101 Click to Return from motivation to Home |
