Are You Motivated?

Today’s blog is a bit of a rant. I am a very positive person, but I wanted to express a view.  

What motivates you?

Are you motivated? If not, do you ever ask yourself why?

Do you find it easier to make excuses and reasons why you “can’t” or don’t do something than actually doing it?

In my health coaching practice, we cover self-sabotage. Is, it self-sabotage or are you just winning the game you’re playing?

The game where you convince yourself that you’re too busy, or there are other reasons why you don’t do certain things instead of stepping out of your comfort zone to make positive changes.

I see this all the time. I give someone a program. I tell them what and when to eat, what exercise to do and coach them.

Many successfully achieve great results, but some inevitably fall off the wagon and make excuses. They just give up!

Guess what? The person that got results, they’re also busy, they have a job, they have kids, they have their problems too.

I’m busy, I’m a mom, I run my own business. Instead of making excuses, I make plans on how I can take action and then I do it.

When it comes to losing weight or getting in shape, the best program in the world won’t work if you don’t put in some effort.

You need to find motivation. You need to commit!

For some, their motivation may be getting into a bikini.

For many, it should be to improve their health so they can be the best possible version of themselves for their family.

I want to be healthy. I want to age in the best way possible. I want to dance at my son’s wedding and hold my grandchild!

I have heard every excuse in the book. I have also heard people criticize those who take the time for self-improvement by calling them selfish or vain.

I was in Disney World with my family this past Fall. I saw parents so obese and out of shape, they were unable to walk with their kids. I realize that some may have health problems. However, if your habits put you in a position where you are depriving your loved ones of experiences that should be enjoyed with you (especially your children), that to me is the definition of selfish.

Sorry, it had to be said.

I was just on vacation last week; I went to the gym, and I ran on the beach daily. I had several women approach me about my fitness and wanted to know more.

I also heard some say I was nuts for working out on vacation.

There it is. It must be me that has a problem. I'm crazy. In their mind, there was something wrong with me.

Well, I ate whatever I wanted every night on this trip and yes I enjoyed wine and cocktails. I felt great everyday and spent quality time with my family. I also didn’t gain an ounce even though I "treated" myself.

My healthy habits are a part of my life. I like the benefits. I don’t need or want a “vacation” from them.

Stop waiting for some magic pill or fairy Godmother and stop saying “I’ll do it tomorrow.” There is no quick fix!

There is no program that will give you a six pack in 10 days!

I could have made excuses.

I got into shape while working 50+ hours a week at a stressful job.

I had my child at 38. I lost the weight in 3 months.

I am not naturally slim; I have always had to watch what I eat. Always!

I have a bad back. I strengthen my abdominals to support it.

I am hypo-thyroid (I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis).

Those are many excuses I hear. They are just that, excuses.

If you really want to make changes, look at your life.

If you are struggling and want to make changes, first have a long hard chat with yourself and be honest.

Here are some things you can do:

• Identify your “roadblocks” What excuses are you making? Are they real roadblocks or are they just reasons you make up because you don’t want to make a real effort. You need to be honest with yourself.
• Have a talk with those close to you. Tell them you want to make changes and ask for their support. Maybe you need to set aside a ½ hour at night to exercise (yes you can do it in that time) Perhaps you’ll make changes to your household eating habits and improve together.
• Find ways to incorporate changes into your daily life. Go for a walk at lunch.
• Pack healthy foods to take to work. Have a plan. Meal prep for a few days at once if you have to.
• Find ways to get active. Take the stairs. Go to the park with your kids. Park further from a building, so you have to walk further.
• Recruit a workout buddy so you have accountability.
• Clean the junk from your pantry. If it’s there, you’ll eat it.

These are just a few tips. Once you really commit to making changes, you’ll start to see results, and that will give you even more motivation.

Just start small if you need to. Small changes lead to big changes, and before you know it, you’re on your way.

The feeling you get when you hit your goals, and you know that you are doing the best you can for your health, is amazing. I want everyone to feel that!

As Nike says, JUST DO IT!

In my next blog, I’ll share some food hacks you can use in restaurants and on vacation so you can stay on track.