Motivation is important. It helps you have the right mindset.
The first time I was motivated to lose those 83 pounds, I was motivated by the way my BFF looked and felt after losing 40 pounds. She helped me too. And it was great because all those changes resulted in that huge weight loss.
But that motivation was wrong for me. Which meant that the mindset for losing weight was not going to last. It didn't.
I have the motivation now and with it, the right mindset.
I'm in it for myself. Well, and my family. But mostly, for myself.
I want to be around for a long, long time. I want to be healthy. I want to be fit. And I've taken the steps in the right direction.
For the longest time, I sat around and thought about what I wanted and what I needed to do to get there. A long time. Sitting. Thinking. Knowing that I needed to do something, but all I did was continue to sit and think.
Until the day something had to give--which was just the motivation I needed. So I started.
With each step I took, or practice I started, or change I made- I felt better. Happier. Less moody. More energetic. And the scale was moving in the right direction. All of these things became motivational and firmed that mindset.
What about those days (that can span into weeks maybe even months) when our motivation is MIA? And we think there's simply no hope of it coming back? What- it happens. Those are the times that I have to make myself get out there and do anyway. Even if my heart isn't into it. Even if I do NOT want to do it. Even if my mind keeps saying, "NO! I don't want to. I don't have to do something every single day. My schedule is too full today. I'll do more tomorrow. I'll just eat a little bit of that sugary goodness, that's all. Just one piece of cake. I don't feel well. My foot hurts. My leg hurts....blahblahblahblah..."
Yeah. Learn to blow that s*it off quick. If your motivation is MIA, DO IT ANYWAY. Force yourself. DO IT!
No one can do this for you. You have to find your own motivation. No matter what anyone else says; no matter how much you read; no matter what you know- until you're motivated within and have the right mindset, it's not going to work for long.
Search your soul. Your heart. Your mind. Find your motivation. Set your mind.
THEN do it!
This is the thirteenth day of the A-Z April Challenge. I thought I might try a theme this year and focus on my personal journey to health and fitness, including weight loss.
Today's letter is M and my words for the day are MOTIVATION and MINDSET.
And after reading that great motivational piece, I'm going out for my walk. I think it's true that women have been so occupied with taking care of others that they don't think to take care of themselves. Maybe we need to think of the little girl who lives inside of us and think, 'I need to take care of her.'
ReplyDeleteStopping in to say hi (from Kevin's computer - which is a pain). Mine still not up and running. :-((( Have a great weekend.
What a great post!! I think I might read this every time I don't feel like doing what needs to be done (like my homework). Thanks for continuing the great posts!
ReplyDeleteJust a Nice Girl
Motivation is key! Excellent reminder. Especially the part about doing it even when we don't want to, even when we're not motivated. Just do it anyway!
ReplyDeleteJudy- So sorry your computer is still sick. Hopefully it will make a full recovery soon! I agree with you about women- nurturing selves that we are- always thinking of everyone else and taking care of them. And you're right, we do need to take care of the little girl inside us.
ReplyDeleteJennifer- Thanks! Oh yeah, housework. I have to use it for that too. Not a fan of housework AT ALL!
Kathy- It took me a while to realize that- probably because of all the excuses my mind was making for me. LOL But I'm there now!
Such a great post, we tend to use excuses to stop us in many of our endeavors, motivation and mindset are key factors, you are so right!
ReplyDeleteThis post was brilliant! Motivation is the only drive that will keep us going, even when 'everything' is against us and not going according to plan. That's why I've stopped hassling my friends to come exercise. They have to WANT IT for themselves!
ReplyDeleteLOVE THIS ONE!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteLucy- Thanks! Yep, those excuses can run rampant, don't they?
ReplyDeleteMaren- Thank you! Exactly! If they don't want it, they won't do it!
Betty- I know, but it'll be back SOON! It told me! :)
QC- Thank you!
I think we all wish for that professional motivator to come along and make us enthusiastic. I heard those words of yours a long time ago. Not always easy to remember that it's always up to us! Great M word!
ReplyDeleteStephanie- There are days when even a professional couldn't motivate me. But I force myself to get out there anyway. Except for things like housework. And organizing. LOL
ReplyDeleteI like the way you linked mindset to motivation, because that is the key to lasting motivation.
ReplyDeleteBotanist- Thanks! It's so true. I found it out the hard way. But then, that's how I learn all my life lessons. LOL
ReplyDeletePowerful stuff from a powerful lady!
ReplyDeleteI have a beautiful painting in my hall, done by a friend, that says "just do it"!
I bought it as inspiration to overcome fear of skiing (the painter friend is also a ski instructor!) but now every time I see it I will think of your advice...just do it!
LoFeatherve your attitude. Will follow.
ReplyDeleteMimi- Oh wow. Maybe I need a painting like that! So sweet of you! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFS-Thank you so much!
You're right, it has to come from ones own determination. The inspiration can come from outside, but like you said, the motivation needs to come from within.
ReplyDeleteThe inspiration that motivated me, believe it or not, was watching Biggest Loser. Now, I'm not into all the drama, especially this season, but I think if they can do it, surely I can lose even 1/2 lb a week and walking just a little more than I usually do isn't going to kill me! It really has helped.
When you don't feel like it...do it anyway. That's so true and yet so tough at the same time. If you can turn the behavior into an automatic action or habit, that helps. I know though - easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great post!
Brenda- Right! Oh, the Biggest Loser doesn't motivate me although I did watch from time to time. But this season got so ridiculous. And petty. And catty. I just couldn't stomach it. Glad you're motivated by it! I have a very good friend who is also motivated by the show. And who doesn't LOVE those trainers?! LOL
ReplyDeleteMMS- It really is hard sometimes, but I've finally gotten to the point that I can make myself. Even though I fight it tooth and nail!