Motivation Movement

Have you ever been gung-ho about starting something and just to find your motivation begin to dwindle a few weeks in? Maybe it is a New Year’s resolution or you start the quarter strong but when finals roll around you dread going to class. It could be a new eating or workout plan that you were more than tickled to start but find yourself side tracked with other things. This is normal and happens to all of us at some point. I often get asked how I stay motivated to stick to my training and nutrition plan and what works for one person may be completely different from what works for you. However, there are things that I practice and truly believe keep me on track, even on those days that I simply do not want to do it. It is not always easy but it is definitely worth it!

• Take one day at a time- It is very easy to start something with great expectations. Expectations that we will accomplish whatever it is overnight or within a short amount of time. Yet when we do not see the results (as soon as we were hoping to), it is common to get frustrated and upset. Be patient. Great things take time. Try to focus on the present and be the best version of you today (not tomorrow or in 2 weeks from now). Enjoy the journey to a better you by taking each step, one at a time, one day at a time and you will be amazed at the clarity you can achieve by focusing on one goal or one day.

• Make it fun! When it comes to the task at hand, attitude is everything. If I am working on a project that someone else signed me up for and I have no interest, it is going to be one hell of a task to complete. But if it is something that I REALLY want, I will do anything to accomplish it. Same goes for your health and fitness goals. If someone else drug you to the gym, chances are you might have a negative attitude towards your workout but if you got yourself there because YOU WANT IT, you probably enjoyed your time. It you aren’t keen on cardio, try a spin or Zumba class. If you don’t like the group setting, hire a trainer or download some new workouts from your favorite website. Whatever it is, make it fun and it won’t seem too bad.

• Find Inspiration. What inspires you to work hard towards your goals? Is it to be more active and keep up with your kiddos? Maybe you want to get off your high blood pressure meds? Or maybe it is that fabulous new bikini that you are dying to wear this summer?! Find something or someone that inspires you and keep it in the forefront of your brain. For example, if it is a person that inspires you reach out to them and ask them about how they achieved their goals or read inspirational books and success stories of someone just like you. 

• Believe in yourself! Squash all the negative thoughts and replace them with positive! Really focus on your thoughts and recognize how you talk to yourself. If you find that you are a negative Nelly, it is time to turn that mindset around. Start replacing “I can’t” or “It’s too hard” with “I can sure as hell do this or anything else I want too”. This may take digging deep and really listening but it is a HUGE component of staying motivated. 

• Stick with it. Whatever you do, do not give up! Even on the days that your motivation is a negative 155%, do not give up. Tell yourself to try for a true 15 minutes, whether it is a workout, a new recipe, or a sewing project; give it everything you got for 15 minutes. Most of the times you will find yourself getting into it and feel better after you are finished. On the rare occasion you just can’t do it, walk away and try again later. If you need a break, take one, but get right back at it after you have had a breath of fresh air. 

• Do not compare yourself to others. Whatever you do, please please do not compare your journey with that of someone else! Comparison really is the thief of joy and you are uniquely created to be YOU! Celebrate your successes and acknowledge your attributes. This is a personal journey of finding a healthier, happier version of you (not the lady down the block)! 

Keep your head high and work hard towards what you really want. I am here for you.

I am also here to give you insight on a delicious dinner that is quick, easy and delish! Flavors of fresh basil, tomatoes and balsamic with sprinkled mozzarella cheese…Yum.