This morning I set out for a
run. It is not a long run, probably a little shy of 3 miles. For some it is an
easy jog, but for me it feels like a marathon. While I run outside I do not
listen to music or carry a phone. Running unplugged allows me to free my mind
and just let go. The main music in my head is my intention to make it back home
without stopping.
I often wonder what motivates
a person to achieve their goal.
To
be successful at losing weight, exercising and cutting calories are vital, but
your mental outlook can mean the difference between success and failure. Knowing
the how-to, eat-this/don’t-eat-that of weight loss is certainly important. Eat less and move more is the basic equation of weight loss.
But to be successful at losing weight, you need to figure out what will give
you an ongoing, burning desire to succeed. To ensure success, you need to
develop the will to improve your life, not someone else's vision of it. The
best motivators come from within. How do you unlock your inner motivation?
I
believe that there are 5 steps you need to take to find your mojo:
1)
Start by asking yourself a simple question: “Why do I want
to loose weight?” There may be several reasons, for example, the doctor told
you to loose weight for better health, you notice that you have low energy and
so loosing weight will allow you to have more energy and/or you have a reunion
coming up (high school, college or family event) and you want to look good. Whatever
it is, make a list of what’s important to you and then write down specific
reasons as to why it’s important to you.
2)
Set an attainable
goal: Focus on the behavior you want to change and be realistic. Loosing 5lbs
is more realistic in the beginning and working each day toward the bigger
picture if far more realistic.
3)
Make your own
plan: No two people are alike.
Think
about the foods you can — and can't — live without, then try to work your diet
around them. Love chocolate? Have a small piece every day. If you're a born
snacker, divide your daily calories into six or seven mini meals so you always
feel like you're having a nibble. Whatever you do, don't give up your favorite
foods. You'll inevitably feel deprived, which will only make your cravings
stronger — and your willpower weaker. However,
little changes to your current eating style, like downsizing portions or preparing foods
differently, can add up to big results.
4)
Uncover emotional obstacles: Sadness and anger are two of
the most common reasons women overeat, but food won't quell either one. Keeping
a food diary can provide valuable insights into what may be causing you to
binge occasionally. Once you start evaluating your eating triggers, you'll be
able to develop more effective strategies to deal with the underlying emotions.
5)
Visualize the new you: A mental dress rehearsal prepares you
to recognize and accept success. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and picture
yourself healthier and slimmer.
And by the way, if you make an unhealthy diet choice, admit that you're
fallible, but don't drown in a sea of judgmental thoughts. Berating yourself
won't foster the courage you need to dust off those cookie crumbs and move on. Turning
negative thoughts into encouraging ones will propel you to keep at it until you
finally reach your goal weight. And you will reach your goal because you have
the motivation to get there.If you believe it you can achieve it!
