ARTICLE
Where Did Your Motivation To Exersice, Get Fit and Lose Weight Go?
Victor "VMan" Verhage, March 5, 2010
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last.
Well, neither does bathing.. that’s why we recommend it daily.”
~ Zig Ziglar
Motivation is a powerful tool for success! The degree to which you can remain motivated allows you to continue to make progress and can determines whether you realize the goals that you establish.
Seems that Motivation is at its highest when you 1st begin your fat loss plan. BUT….where does it GO? Why does it leave?
I love the quote by Zig ~ really hones in on the fact that Motivation is NOT some magical state of being – some elusive skill – something that Lasts forever once you capture it.
Nope. Fact is Motivation just does not Last.
It can literally come and go. You will have super highly motivated days and really low, down in the dumps days.
And you know what?
It’s okay! There is nothing wrong with you – you are human.
The PROBLEMS only begin when we give IN to a waning motivation – when we stop trying – when we give up – when we Quit.
But not YOU – this is a New Year and a New You and you are going to DO something about it!
What can you do to successfully Master Your Motivation?
Step 1: Embrace The Cycles Of Motivation
Before implementing all the wonderful “Motivation Success Secrets and Strategies”, begin with the understanding that motivation comes and goes and this is okay.
Motivation is something that you must consider and take care of on a daily basis. No different than your “fat loss or fitness plan” …your meal plans, your workout schedules – all require daily care and focus. If you are not willing to clean up the way you eat nor follow a workout plan with consistency – - you will not get results.
So to begin to Master Your Motivation, understand it is something you can control on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis. Yes, there are plenty of strategies to HELP you do this, but like I said, you have to go into it understanding that motivation takes effort!
Step 2: Identify Motivation Zappers
It is also important to identify the saboteurs that can interfere with your ability to either get started or maintain your motivation. This allows you to plan ahead so you are not so easily derailed.
“I Will Stick To My Resolutions… Really!”
Lack of Motivation can happen for a Variety of Reasons.
Here are some reasons from our current member's....
Lack of Focus: “I need tips to stay motivated and not get lazy. I know what I need to do, I have what I need… yet when a workout gets challenging, it can put me off working out the next time I need to. I’ve only just started out on my weight loss journey, yet I can’t seem to stay focused. Help!”
Overwhelmed: “My biggest problem is keeping motivation when depression sinks in. Money worries or not seeing results on the scales from my hard work and it seems to get harder and harder to get myself moving…”
Lack of Drive: “It’s quite simple for me all you need to do is give me a swift kick in the butt……. get off my lazy back side and get moving…”
Lack of Time: “I have a BIG motivation problem. I know everything I need to do, but just can’t seem to find the best time to do it. I keep thinking I will set the alarm 30 minutes earlier, but so far, all I’ve done is hit the snooze.”
Pain: “There are days I get motivated to work out and I actually do it for a week or two, but then I become so sore…and for days be sore…that I get lazy and dont want to feel that pain anymore…”
No Results: “I’m finding it difficult to find motivation when I can’t see results in fist two weeks.”
Step 3: Define Motivation
Finally, It is important to define Motivation ~ What Is It?
You may be able to come up with a list of things that Motivate you, but have you stopped to think about what Motivation is?
Motivation is a desire to achieve a goal, combined with the energy to work towards that goal.
Motivation is your DRIVE ~ this Driving Force is fueled by your REASONS.
You know what you want but do you know WHY you want it? Have you asked yourself the hard questions of WHY these goals are so important to you? This is a Vital Step in the goal setting process.
Now that you have a better handle on what Motivation is all about, Tell Me…
What Motivates You?
contributed by
Victor "VMan" Verhage, The energy, enthusiasm and excitement behind XSport Fitness PT dept. Also an Adventurous learner and explorer of fun ways to get fit.
Email VMan: victor.verhage@xsportmail.com
