Motivation Fail... and Return!

This week, I've really had a tough time getting myself to exercise. Another poster on The Knot mentioned how it takes the human mind 4-6 weeks to adopt a new habit, so I know that it will become easier over time. But those first few weeks are killer!

When in doubt, I tend to turn to fitness blogs for inspiration and advice. One of my favorites is a blog entry that Jillian Michaels (yes, that Jillian, of Biggest Loser and Shred fame) wrote for Glamour. I'll paste it below.

"We all have at least a few fleeting moments of inspiration where we want to improve our lives and during which we feel capable of positive change. Motivation is easy at the beginning of any new job, task, or fitness program like Body by Glamour. (In this case it's about health, but wanting a leaner body and better health through diet and exercise is really a metaphor for wanting a better life.) But sustaining it is another matter. Here's the trick.

I truly believe that the only true and lasting source of motivation must come from within you. Outside stimulus can't provide you with reason enough to continue healthy habits for a lifetime. I mean, sure, you might see a picture of Madonna's rock-hard 50-year-old body and feel inspired to hit the gym that day--which is great. But what about the day after that, and the year after that? To begin finding your true inner, lasting motivation to get healthy, grab some paper or a journal and a pen and answer these questions:

1. What do I want to change? Be specific.

2. Why do I want to change it?

3. What will the benefits of making this change be to my body and to my life?

4. What am I willing to sacrifice to make this change happen?

Your answers might be as profound as living long enough to see your grandchildren graduate from college, or as frivolous as rocking a bikini on your summer vacation. It doesn't matter how deep or how seemingly shallow your answers might be--they're yours and as long as it's important to you that's all that matters!

Now, the next time you are about to throw in the towel, I want you to go back and look at this journal entry of yours. Remind yourself of what it is you are fighting for and put things in perspective. I don't love working out and I hate broccoli, but I tolerate them because I know the ultimate goal is worth it. What's worth it to you?"

Full link to article here!