Motivation Myth
Motivation is the mental state that sets one into action toward a goal.
In my coaching business, the words I hear most often are, "I am just not motivated." Usually my client is referring to either exercise or counting calories (usually exercise!). It seems things go well for a few weeks, or even a few months and then something happens and the momentum is lost despite the fact that the client has seen results and knows that the system works. This puzzles me. So, I decided to take a closer look at motivation from the perspective of weight loss. I found a few similarities in thinking:
• The Client feels deprived. "Not everyone else has to do this! It's not fair! My friend can eat whatever he wants and not gain a pound."
• The Client feels bored. "I just don't like to exercise. I hate going to the gym."
• The Client is not clear on their goals. "I don't have the time. But it is so hard."
My answer to some of these objections may surprise you. First I ask you to examine what it really means to "be deprived." Chances are if you are sitting in front of a computer reading this, you have not really experienced real deprivation. Is deprivation not having a hot fudge sundae or is deprivation not having enough food to live? Is it somewhere in between? When you consider deprivation,what life are you depriving yourself from having by being overweight, unhealthy or by having a low self-esteem? Examine your current lifestyle and list five things that would be different for you if you were a healthy weight. Ask yourself if it is fair that you have been deprived of these things for so long.
Your friends, may indeed, be able to eat whatever they want and not gain a single ounce. Reality check! This is about YOU. So lets examine how we can look at this in a different light. How did you become overweight? Did you wake up one morning carrying extra pounds? Probably not! It took a lot of work, bad habits and neglect to get to this point. How will you discard these extra pounds? By creating good habits and learning to love and appreciate all that your body has to offer you. Just like a seed that is tended, watered and protected, you will flourish with the proper care. And aren't you worth it? This is not about pizza, this is about your life, your health and longevity. Take responsibility for your life now and when success is yours, you can take responsibility for that, too! To achieve a goal, any goal, is the most empowering feeling. How will you feel when you give yourself this gift?
Boredom can be a natural reaction to any routine. This is why it is so important to shake things up a little. Not only will a variety of activities speed up your weight loss, but it will also keep you entertained. Just walking on a treadmill every day can feel like just that! Weather permitting, try hiking outdoors. Or, if you are more comfortable in the gym, add in some weights, cross trainers, bikes, swimming or sports! Ask friends to join you. Make your activities varied and fun. The possibilities are truly endless. It is just a matter of finding the ones that speak to you.
Kick Boxing
Yoga
Pilates
Karate
Aerobics
Jazzercise
Hiking
Bike Riding
Walking in nature
Rock Climbing
Qigong
Taekwondo
Swimming
Weight training
If you are bored and out of ideas, interview your friends to find what activities they enjoy. Ask them for a free lesson! The point is to challenge your body, feel your strength and admire your results.
