“Moto” to Live a Healthy Lifestyle
September 12, 2009 by http://www.empoweredhealthfitness.com/What would motivate you to make changes in your health habits? A monetary reward? The threat of a disease? Someone close to you dying? Motivation is a tricky thing. We start out strong headed toward a goal, but when the choices become difficult or reaching the goal is taking longer than expected, it is easy for us to slip back into old unhealthy habits.
What’s your “Moto”-vation? Many people view it as the excitement or external support and encouragment that helps you reach a goal or win a game. The root word of motivation is motive. Motive is defined as something that “causes a person to act.” Many goals begin with external motivation, but to fully reach the long-term benefit of achieving health goals (weight loss, healthier eating, more activity, lower blood pressure) there must come a point where the motivation becomes the internal drive.
The steps below can help you develop your internal drive and get your “moto” on while making wise healthy changes and choices.
1. Set your goal and own it. Goals give us something to strive for and a direction of movement. When it’s our own goal, we are invested in it and own it. Set goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and tangible. (i.e. S.M.A.R.T.) Establish a realistic date to reach your own goal. Instead of saying “I want to lose weight” say “I will lose 20 pounds in 20 weeks.”
2. Establish your own plan and write it down. Based on your own goal, break it into smaller steps in weekly and in daily components. Write your plan so you can see the process. Examples of daily steps toward a weight loss goal would be: “I will eat fruit or vegetables at each meal.” Or, “I will walk for 20 continuous minutes today.”
3. Get additional “coaching“ help if necessary to reach your goal. A person with more knowledge about the area you want to improve can be a great guide and motivator. Allow your coach to assist you and listen to their advice. There is wisdom in many counselors. Build a support system around you by enlisting as many coaches as you need – nutrition, fitness, massage, writing, praying, strength training, therapists, doctors, drivers, suppliers, cheerleaders, etc.
4. Invite accountability from a friend. Share your goal and your plan with a trusted friend or family member. Ask them to encourage you in your process to reach the goal. Tell them exactly what you need from them; also what you do NOT need/want from them. Ask them check to in with you on your progress. This accountability partner is not your judge or an expert. Avoid whining or excuses if you are not on target. Ask your accountability partner to pray for you and help you stay focused. Share the benefits you desire to achieve with your friend and ask them to remind you of these benefits when you are struggling.
5. Be a Good Finder. No matter what your goal, most likely, someone has achieved this same or a similar goal. Read about these people. Look for the good in others and glean helpful information from their success. Everyone approaches a goal from a slightly different point of view. Success stories offer “food or thought” and allow you to see health improvements from another point of view. Success stories also share common struggles and how these struggles are overcome. Success stories remind you that you are not alone in your journey.
6. Follow your plan. Make your plan ~ Keep your plan. Visually place your goal in front of you to remain focused. If diversions or distractions happen, evaluate if these will help you reach your goal or will set you back from reaching your goal. If they will set you back, decide if you are willing to accept this consequence. Ask yourself questions like, “Will that extra serving of food taste any better than the first one?” “Does this choice put me one step closer to accomplishing my goal?” Honestly answer these questions and then choose the best option.
7. Reward your progress. There are many victories along the path to your goals. Increased energy, weight loss, compliments from others, reducing medications, better sleep, and a youthful glow. Look for smaller side benefits and accomplishments and celebrate these successes along the way. Consider celebrating with rewards such as a long bubble bath, a phone call to a distant friend, a cup of herbal tea, a single rose, or fresh coat of nail polish. Determine what small reward will help you truly appreciate your accomplishment. It could be as simple as acknowledging the blessing God gave you in reaching this point. A grateful heart produces a positive attitude and a smile. What a great reward!
–
Blessed for your highest good!
><> Sherry Perkins
Personal Fitness Training and Certified Raindrop Therapy Practitioner
Empowered Fitness and Holistic Health
Website: www.EmpoweredHealthFitness.com
Website: www.raindroptherapy.net
PH: 734-646-5582
What’s your “Moto”-vation? Many people view it as the excitement or external support and encouragment that helps you reach a goal or win a game. The root word of motivation is motive. Motive is defined as something that “causes a person to act.” Many goals begin with external motivation, but to fully reach the long-term benefit of achieving health goals (weight loss, healthier eating, more activity, lower blood pressure) there must come a point where the motivation becomes the internal drive.
The steps below can help you develop your internal drive and get your “moto” on while making wise healthy changes and choices.
1. Set your goal and own it. Goals give us something to strive for and a direction of movement. When it’s our own goal, we are invested in it and own it. Set goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and tangible. (i.e. S.M.A.R.T.) Establish a realistic date to reach your own goal. Instead of saying “I want to lose weight” say “I will lose 20 pounds in 20 weeks.”
2. Establish your own plan and write it down. Based on your own goal, break it into smaller steps in weekly and in daily components. Write your plan so you can see the process. Examples of daily steps toward a weight loss goal would be: “I will eat fruit or vegetables at each meal.” Or, “I will walk for 20 continuous minutes today.”
3. Get additional “coaching“ help if necessary to reach your goal. A person with more knowledge about the area you want to improve can be a great guide and motivator. Allow your coach to assist you and listen to their advice. There is wisdom in many counselors. Build a support system around you by enlisting as many coaches as you need – nutrition, fitness, massage, writing, praying, strength training, therapists, doctors, drivers, suppliers, cheerleaders, etc.
4. Invite accountability from a friend. Share your goal and your plan with a trusted friend or family member. Ask them to encourage you in your process to reach the goal. Tell them exactly what you need from them; also what you do NOT need/want from them. Ask them check to in with you on your progress. This accountability partner is not your judge or an expert. Avoid whining or excuses if you are not on target. Ask your accountability partner to pray for you and help you stay focused. Share the benefits you desire to achieve with your friend and ask them to remind you of these benefits when you are struggling.
5. Be a Good Finder. No matter what your goal, most likely, someone has achieved this same or a similar goal. Read about these people. Look for the good in others and glean helpful information from their success. Everyone approaches a goal from a slightly different point of view. Success stories offer “food or thought” and allow you to see health improvements from another point of view. Success stories also share common struggles and how these struggles are overcome. Success stories remind you that you are not alone in your journey.
6. Follow your plan. Make your plan ~ Keep your plan. Visually place your goal in front of you to remain focused. If diversions or distractions happen, evaluate if these will help you reach your goal or will set you back from reaching your goal. If they will set you back, decide if you are willing to accept this consequence. Ask yourself questions like, “Will that extra serving of food taste any better than the first one?” “Does this choice put me one step closer to accomplishing my goal?” Honestly answer these questions and then choose the best option.
7. Reward your progress. There are many victories along the path to your goals. Increased energy, weight loss, compliments from others, reducing medications, better sleep, and a youthful glow. Look for smaller side benefits and accomplishments and celebrate these successes along the way. Consider celebrating with rewards such as a long bubble bath, a phone call to a distant friend, a cup of herbal tea, a single rose, or fresh coat of nail polish. Determine what small reward will help you truly appreciate your accomplishment. It could be as simple as acknowledging the blessing God gave you in reaching this point. A grateful heart produces a positive attitude and a smile. What a great reward!
–
Blessed for your highest good!
><> Sherry Perkins
Personal Fitness Training and Certified Raindrop Therapy Practitioner
Empowered Fitness and Holistic Health
Website: www.EmpoweredHealthFitness.com
Website: www.raindroptherapy.net
PH: 734-646-5582
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