What Keeps You Motivated?

How many of you made a New Year’s Resolution? Did you stick with it?! Motivation is usually the   catalyst whenever we make a resolution. It’s what keeps us going, giving us the internal drive to   continue forging ahead. Inspiration mentally stimulates you to do something, specifically something creative. Let’s look at how to use motivation and inspiration to stick to goals.

The first step is to have a goal. Getting healthier and losing weight is a common goal for many people. In order to achieve that goal, something must have motivated you. Maybe it was tight-fitting clothes, a diagnosis of high blood pressure, or not being able to climb a flight of stairs without feeling faint. You were motivated to take that first step to becoming healthier. But, what keeps you motivated every day?

Winston Churchill said, “Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up!” Without motivation, there would be no action. The following are ideas for staying motivated:

1. List WHY you want to accomplish a goal. Example: “I want to lose 50 pounds by August so I can have energy for a family vacation.”
2. Measure your progress. Weigh yourself regularly. Keep track of your measurements.
3. Break your goal into smaller pieces. Example: “I want to run a 5k in July. I’m going to       increase my mileage by ¼ mile every week.”
4. Get help if needed. Hire a personal trainer if you’re struggling with your workouts.
5. Find your source of inspiration. Is there a co-worker, friend, or family member who’s had     success losing weight and you want to look like them? Find out how they accomplished their goal.

Motivation almost never lasts. Therefore, inspiration can be a long-term guide to your goal.           Inspiration can be found anywhere:   other people, nature, artwork, politics, music, etc… Maybe it’s a new fitness class, a movie, or a good book. The inspiration will motivate you to stick to your goals. Watching “Dancing with the Stars” inspires me. The innovative movements of the dancers and how they interpret the music, generates a desire to express myself more creatively in my fitness classes. My children inspire me every day and provide me the impetus to stay strong and healthy.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Find something every day that inspires you to keep going and reach your goals! You CAN stick to your goals!