How Do You Stay Motivated?
People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing–that’s why we recommend it daily.- Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker
How do you stay motivated? What is your secret? Please share your ideas with us.
Most individuals are ready to make changes when a new year arrives. They are motivated and start out with plenty of enthusiasm. Yet, unfortunately, as February arrives many have lost their motivation and have slipped back to their old routines and habits. Are you one of those individuals? What is the difference between those that continue to stay motivated and those that slowly regress to old habits? Here are a few guidelines for staying motivated so that you can achieve your goals:
1) Engage in positive self-talk every day. Begin when you stand in front of the mirror getting ready for your day. Choose one positive statement to say about yourself each morning. It may be the same or different each morning. Try, “I am proud of my body because it allows me to be physically active or _________________.” or “I like my body and I am working to become healthier by eating 1 fruit each day.” or “I feel great about myself when I make healthy food choices at lunch.”
2) Make realistic, attainable and specific goals such as, “I will increase my fiber by eating at least 1/2 cup of fruits or vegetables at breakfast, lunch and dinner.” or “I will walk my dog for 30 minutes, 3 times each week after work.” Write these goals down and post your list where it is easily visible.
3) Be flexible! Know that certain circumstances are out of your control. So, give yourself a break when things don’t go as planned and learn from these experiences. Perhaps being more prepared would enable you to have a little more control. For example, keep healthy nonperishable snacks in your car or pocketbook so you have no excuse for skipping a meal or eating unhealthy foods when you are stuck in traffic, have to rush to pick-up your children or don’t have time for a meal. Try dried fruit and nuts, granola bar (Z-bar, Luna bar, Lara bar, Kashi varietes, a;nd Nature Valley granola bars are a few suggestions), or all natural peanut butter pretzel or cracker sandwiches.
4) When events occur that are out of your control, make the best out of a negative situation. In other words, be creative with a possible solutions. For instance, do you have a backup plan if it rains when you want to walk outside? Perhaps you have a favorite exercise DVD that you enjoy. What do you do when you are unexpectedly invited out to dinner? Maybe you suggest a restaurant you know where you can order and enjoy healthier options. Or, because you know that you do not want to turn down your favorite dish of cheesy Fettuccine Alfredo, you decide ahead of time that you will bring home half of your entree, order a side salad and skip dessert.
5) Build a support network that includes your spouse, family, friends, and health care team. Let them know how they can best support you in your desire to achieve your health goals. You may ask someone to go for a walk or run with you each week, help you cook healthier meals at home, or ask him/her to not ask you if you want dessert so that you don’t feel pressured to have it when you are satisfied with out it.
Now you have the tools to succeed at accomplishing your goals because you know how to stay motivated! Share your thoughts and experienced in how you have achieved your goals.
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