Keep your fitness momentum going with these four stages of motivation.
Stage One
The first type of motivation we all experience is based on an emotional feeling. The emotion could be positive or negative that kick-starts our desire. Perhaps you read a success story about a person losing a hundred pounds and because you resonated with the inspiration it evoked, you felt motivated to start your weight loss journey too.Often people feel suddenly motivated when they hear bad news from their doctor. When the doctor drops the bomb-news, "You have diabetes" or "You are at risk for a heart attack or stroke", we are fearful of what the future may hold and we spark up the fire to do something about it.
Both of these types of motivation are only temporary. The initial burst of energy dissipates, and is not sustained by the inspiration or wake up call. Perhaps you've been there?
Your eagerness to overcome and succeed must continue in order to keep the wheel rolling in a positive direction.
Stage Two
Another type of motivation already exists within you. You can be motivated to watch television instead of running the neighborhood. You can be motivated to eat a bowl of ice cream instead of preparing a healthier snack.
A client, who is on our weight loss program, came back from lunch with a bag of fast food. When asked what motivated her to make an unhealthy choice, she answered, "Because I was mad at my husband."
When we are motivated to produce negative actions, there is always a reason behind it. In this case, sabotaging foods would not mend the issue. Proper communication would have been a better choice.
Be mindful of where you point your motivation. It's powerful. Begin to create awareness of what motivates you to make wrongful decisions for your health and well being. Consciously recognizing your 'triggers' will help you to laser focus your motivation towards healthier goals.
Stage Three
Stage three goes into effect when you dig deep and penetrate the true meaning behind the initial flame. The ultimate motivational coach, Tony Robbins, says emotion is the force of life. Strive to create a connection with your emotions.Make a list of your resources: journals, books, gym, coaches, recipes, or training programs, and apply your emotional resourcefulness. Tap into your determination, resolve, caring for yourself, curiosity and your passion. Combine the emotion with the resource for a powerfully fueled motivation.
For example:
- Trainer + Enthusiasm= Success
- Whole Foods + Desire to be healthier= Results
- Journal + Understanding = Self Love
- Knowledge + Curiosity = Continued Growth
- Hard work + Love = Life Balance
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