Hello, Motivation! Where Are You?

So you might have noticed from my lack of posting that my motivation has gone missing. Yes, it's true, my fit life motivation has gone out the window. I'm not sure where it's disappeared to or why, but passing by the cookies at lunch time was a LOT harder this week. Ugh. So yeah, even fitness professionals have their moments when that motivation seems to be missing. It's really not missing though - it's just a matter of reawakening it. Here are some tips from an article I read this week, My Motivation Took A Vacation by Linda Spangle:

• Create some buzz. You must realize that motivation isn't permanent. You don't "get it," then never have to worry about it again. That's why being able to build your own motivation is so important. Instead of depending on an external crisis to get you started, you can create your own wake-up call. Figure out ways to generate your own excitement and energy for your goals. Look at motivation as an opportunity, not a burden or a nuisance, then develop the resources you need to sustain it.
• Think about WHY. Write a list of at least ten reasons WHY you want to lose or maintain your weight. If you've done this before, write a new list. Then pull out the previous one and compare the two. Any time you start to lose motivation, read your list and use it as an incentive to stick with your efforts.
• Give it attention. Saying "one of these days, I'll get going" doesn't usually work. Whether you're starting a new diet plan or returning to the gym, you have to stick with it, day after day, to see results. So lay out a solid plan, give it focus and attention, then follow through with it.
• Do it when you don't feel like it. When you don't feel like working on a diet or exercise program, that's usually when you need it the most. So unless you're physically ill, don't let your feelings determine your actions. Invent new tricks, create new methods, and stay on your program, even when you don't feel like it.

So if you've lost your motivation lately too, then good luck on getting it back this week. I'm off to work on my list of whys - what's on your list?

Court

Tips Source: ©2009 Weight Loss for Life, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission from Linda Spangle, RN, MA, Weight Loss for Life. http://www.WeightLossJoy.com http://www.theWeightLossCafe.com