Motivation – Noun
• S: (n) motivation, motive, need (the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior) “we did not understand his motivation”; “he acted with the best of motives”
• S: (n) motivation (the condition of being motivated) “his motivation was at a high level”
• S: (n) motivation, motivating (the act of motivating; providing incentive)
Blah, blah. Look, sometimes we have it, other times its non-existent. And the latter is what I want to touch on.
We all love the feeling of heighten motivation. You could conquer the world, jump off buildings and land perfectly flat on your feet, like a cat leaping over the neighbour’s fence in the middle of the night for a late night shag with a tom cat, climb the highest mountain and more.
However, like the feeling of heighten motivation we are also familiar with the deep big black hole that is ZERO motivation.
To touch on some personal experience- When I was fat, fat and fatter (even though in the fitness industry and having some time off from being a PT – hahaha yeah no one likes a fat PT!) everyday was a ZERO motivation day.
Despite knowing exercise had to be done and 20kgs needed to go, I had nothing. I knew I shouldn’t have had the muffin in the morning or the extra helping at dinner, and then 40 desserts but I did. I didn’t care,
I was fat and I thought I’d be fat for the rest of my life. Even though I wasn’t trying to empathise with clients I was finally starting to realise what the “average joe” goes through when battling their weight, motivation and general well being.
So how did I get out of my rut and low levels of motivation? Well it was through the help of a friend and PT who was brutally honest with my situation. He made me realise the state my body was in and what needed to be done.
The attitude I was to take was a “No- Nonsense approach”- do something everyday, be it an intense workout or a light walk- NO EXCUSES!
As the weight fell off the motivation was close to sky high i began to realise how easy it was but it was just about needing that outside kick up the arse.
Our bodies like consistency. No one can expect results that the magazines brag about by following a regime for 48 hours, living well must become a lifestyle change.
Motivation must be something you work on everyday. It doesn’t come naturally to most people so that’s where outside help, in the form of a lifestyle coach or Personal Trainer, really does help.
Now not all Pt’s are created equal, but that’s the same for a lot of things..who’s had a bad haircut? Do your research, ask friends/family members who have trainers for advice.
Although there is an outlay of cash for a Trainer/Coach the rewards you reap far out way any financial sacrifices you may have to make. Do you drink alcohol, coffee – cut it back and save $1000s /year.
Do you eat out regularly at restaurants- $50 per meal equals the price of a PT session (www.newoutlookfitness.com.au) How much is your health and well being worth?
Here’s A Couple Of Ways To Get Started On The Motivation HIGHway:
1. Write down the things you are grateful for (personal, relationship, work/job, family)
2. Write down your current fitness state. Are you happy with it?
3. Write down some goals regarding your fitness state. Lose weight, tone up, get fitter, and so on
4. Write down how and when you will achieve your goals. we can’t have goals and not work out how we are going to follow through with them. Its only half of the equation
5. Enlist the help of a professional to help you achieve your fitness/well being goals. You may need a PT (www.newoutlookfitness.com.au) or a nutritionist, an osteopath
6. Stick it out! “Nobody said it was easy”- Coldplay. It’s bloody hard actually but it’s so worth it. Remember that everyday you do something you get one step closer to your goal
You can do it!
