Motivation

How do you get it? And once you get it how do you keep it?

Everyone knows that motivation comes from within. My motivation (the short version...) was a wedding (not mine), trying to find a dress, frustration ensuing, and a new gym opening less than a quarter of a mile from my house. The result was coming home from the new gym's open house ready for action with a pair of red boxing gloves. The motivation was already there, the dress shopping was the tipping point, and the new gym opening up was karma. (or maybe just a happy coincidence.)

The dress for the wedding was incidental really. I was ready to take my body back, I needed some new inspiration to do it, and kickboxing was an intriguing place to start. Having people tell you what your motivation should be doesn't work. You know you what you need to do. But how do you start?

Start with a small goal and be specific. "I want to be skinny." or "I want to run a marathon." won't cut it. The goals are too broad and will become overwhelming.

Instead  try: "I want to lose 2 pounds this week." or "I want to be able to run 1 mile in the next two weeks without feeling like I am going to pass out." Once you have reached those goals set another one. One step at a time is all it takes.

Try something new or get back to doing what you love. You won't be motivated to stick with a fitness program if you dread what you are going to be doing. Don't like to run? Try kickboxing. Don't want to work out in a gym? Get a Personal Trainer. (umm small plug here but I couldn't resist.) Love to play tennis? Start hitting those balls around again. Try Zumba, try working out with kettle bells, just get started.

Feeling motivated? I hope so. I would love to hear what some of your goals are.

Stay tuned in the next post for how to stay motivated.

Ready? Set. Go!