Healthy Choices
Summer 63
“I’m Just Not Motivated!”
Most will agree that now more than ever, it is
vital that one takes time to care for oneself
both physically and emotionally. Getting and
staying motivated can be a real challenge.
Here is a little secret: you are not alone.
For most people, motivation is not going to strike like a bolt
of lightning. Getting motivated isn’t just going to happen
while sitting on the couch. We tend to be creatures of
comfort, in that although our body is designed to move and
be active, our mind tells us to relax and take it easy.
While there is a place for relaxation, it really does not assist
us in getting motivated. So how do I get motivated? The
answer is simply that "motivation follows action!"
That's right. Taking action – any action – will help you with
your level of motivation.
Think about a time when you had to get some particular
project or chore done around the house, and you kept
putting it off. It's a miserable feeling as you never get to
it because well, you just could not get motivated. What
happened when you finally started working on this
project or chore? You probably finished it up pretty quick
and then moved on to something else, feeling a sense of
accomplishment. Your actions led to motivation!
There is no time like the present to becoming a better
version of yourself right now. Does getting moving take
some work? Yes. Can you do it? Yes! Make no mistake;
taking action is your choice. Don't quit on yourself!
Here are five tips to move you to action.
1. Just get up and move, read, plan, etc. Take the first step,
and feel good about it.
2. Determine your "why?" What is the driving reason you
really want to be motivated? This is important when
you are sitting on the couch and know you should do
something but just don't feel like it. See tip number one
if you struggle with this.
3. Keep your expectations realistic.
4. Accountability is powerful. Tell a friend what you are
going to do, not what you are going to "try" to do.
5. Finally, this is my favorite and you may have heard this
before but it is very important. DO NOT use words
like "try, hope, wish, maybe, can't" or any others that
might allow you to make up an excuse. Substitute
"will" or "won't" for those words, as it gives you back
the power to make your own choice instead of being a
victim of circumstances or other people. Take control,
and make it happen.
Clearwater recreation centers are great places to get fit
and stay motivated. Stop by the center nearest you. Visit
myclearwaterparks.com, and click on the button for
recreation centers to check out facility amenities.
/myclearwaterparks.com