What Motivates You?

Last week I mentioned that we shouldn't be motivated by results, and I believe that with every little muscle fiber in my body!

Here's what happens to me when I'm motivated by the results:

• I have a good weigh in, and I get cocky. I think, "Yay! I'm made it! I can let up a little bit!" So I skip a workout here, eat a Snickers bar (or two) there, go out to eat and order whatever from the menu...you get the idea. Funny thing, being healthy isn't a race with a finish line, it's a lifestyle.
• I don't have a good weigh in, and I get depressed. I think, "Hmph! I've been working hard and this is what happens? Well, I'll show you!" Okay, so maybe I don't consciously think "I'll show you" but that's certainly what my actions say. I throw in the towel because I wasn't getting anywhere anyway. I'm not spiting anyone but myself either. Why not look at the fact that my jeans are looser, and I feel better?
• I hit the end of my program, but don't get the same results as other people. Well, of course, the next thought is that it must not be the program for me! Back to couch potato mode I go saying "Well, that didn't work." Why not just keep on going like the little engine that could? I am unique - I'm not going to have the exact same results as someone else.
• The weight doesn't come off as fast as I want it to so I quit trying. Now this is down right silly. In what other part of life does not getting there fast enough warrant giving up and turning around? So you hit traffic on the way home from work and don't get home as fast as you want to, what do you do? A) Turn around and go back to work. B) Turn on some good tunes and go with the flow because you know you'll get there eventually. Yeah, I know, B!

Does any of this sound familiar? It's a vicious circle of defeat (that really doesn't make a whole lot of sense), and we need to change our approach. I'm not saying that you can't want to change your appearance, but I am saying that for me, it cannot be my sole motivation to eat healthfully and exercise. If it is, then I know I'll get there just as I know I'll end up right back where I started soon after. What are some things that I use as motivation now that I've flipped the switch?

• Working out gives me energy!
• I am happier and have more confidence.
• I feel more in control of my life.
• I feel more like an actual participant in life and less like I'm hanging out on the sidelines.
• Clean eating and working out = automatic stress buster.
• Keeping my cholesterol in check.

Those are just a few for me. What about you? What's on your list?

If we do the work, then the results will follow. When they do, celebrate them - whatever results they may be!

Here's to living the fit life!

Court