Four Steps to Help Flip the Motivation Switch On

Have you ever wondered how some people are able to maintain amazing bodies while you struggle with your weight? 

They make it seem so easy to achieve and maintain results. What do they know that you don't? When you boil it down, the answer is quite simple.

The missing link between you and your ideal body can be your motivation. ​

A couple of days ago I talked about two base motivators: fear of failure and promise of reward. I'm a firm believer that a healthy dose of motivation coupled with determination and a solid plan will get you almost anything in life. So how do you know if you're genuinely motivated?

• Motivation will tell you to get out of bed for an early workout.
• Motivation will nag you to put down the doughnut.
• Motivation makes passing on fries a reflex.
• Motivation makes a sweat drenched workout exciting.
• Motivation constantly reminds you why you do what you do.

If your motivation levels are lacking, the following four steps can help get you motivated. 

Step #1: Pinpoint Your Motivator

Motivation stems from having a goal. What is your goal? Why do you want to get into great shape? Figuring out your "why" is vitally important.

Once you uncover your personal motivator you'll find that motivation flows quickly your way. 

Take a minute to really uncover the reason that you want to lose the weight. Don't say something vague like you want to 'Be thinner' or 'Look more attractive.' Dig deeper – there is a very specific motivator in your life, you simply need to uncover it. 

Here are some possible motivators...

• I want to have more energy to keep up with the kids.
• I want to improve my health through weight loss to extend and improve my life.
• I want to lose 15 pounds before my vacation.
• I want to restore my confidence to wear sleeveless shirts.
• I want to regain my figure to impress and attract my significant other.

For me, it was wanting to look good in my clothes again and to stay healthy for my young children.

Step #2: Make It "Official"

When you write something down it suddenly feels official, doesn't it? Write down your motivator for getting into great shape, and post it where you will see it often - next to your alarm clock, on the bathroom mirror, or in your car. 

Each time you see your written motivator take a moment to visualize yourself accomplishing your goal. Try to make the scene as clear in your mind as possible. You can also try using a picture of someone you'd like to look like or an old picture of yourself at your "goal" weight. What worked for me was placing an old picture with my shirt off (where I weighed fifty pounds less) right on the mirror that I looked at every morning. It acted as a powerful reminder of my goal. Using such a picture as your cell phone wallpaper is another strategy. This is a powerful tool for maintaining your focus and direction. 

Step #3: Be Practical

It's game plan time. You know what you want, and now you need to map out exactly how you'll achieve it. It is important to be practical in your planning, rather than throwing out ideas that you know you won't stick with or continuously going back to something that was never sustainable to begin with (I'm looking at you Weight Watchers). Even more important, make sure you stick with building one healthy habit at a time and absolutely do NOT make a dozen changes to your lifestyle all at once, not only is it not practical, but it's a recipe for failure.

With any weight loss goal it is important to 1) maintain a healthy diet, and 2) participate in a consistent and challenging exercise program. 

Plan a routine that will fit into your schedule, put it in your calendar and you'll be more likely to stick with it. Also choose an exercise program that you enjoy - don't force yourself to jog everyday if you hate jogging. ​

Step #4: Call For Backup

Enlist the support of your friends, family and co-workers. Join a supportive Facebook Group. Tell everyone about your goal to lose weight and get fit, you'll be surprised how supportive most people will be. By being open about your goals you'll likely be an encouragement to others to make healthy changes in their own lives. 

If you feel like you've "tried everything" but still can't reach your goals it may be because of one of these reasons:

Here's Seven Reasons Why You're Not Losing Weight

Of course, working with a personal trainer and coach, you can help accelerate your progress and identify what really motivates you. 

If you're having trouble figuring out your "why" and getting motivated, contact me today to get started on the program that will transform your life.

​​If you've enjoyed this article, please be sure to forward it to a friend!​
Coach George
Online Certified Trainer
Body Transformation Coach
ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer
Precision Nutrition Certified Nutritionist