Many people ask me how to get motivated to embark upon a plan and to make goals for a desired outcome. Motivation is a word that conjures up visions of someone who is ready and energized for a certain planned adventure or project.
Here at the top 10 ways to get motivated;
1. Identify what you want and write it down. For instance, I want to lose weight to be healthy.
2. Be specific. I want to lose 10 pounds by Dec. 31, 2011.
3. Identify at least five things which make you happy, what you love, or your passions. For instance, I enjoy shopping.
4. Set achievable and timely goals for that motivation. For instance, at 12:30 p.m. I will go to the gym and work out for 30 minutes, and at 7 p.m. I will walk for 15 minutes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On the other days, I will ride my bike for 30 minutes at 10 a.m. I will buy and consume a variety of vegetables, fruits, lean meats or protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains for all of my meals.
You are what you tell yourself. If you want to change, then change what you tell yourself. For instance, instead of saying, I can never lose weight; say, "I will be a healthy 125 pounds by Dec.31" It has been proven that you are what you say to yourself on a daily basis; because when you change your inner thoughts, you change your feelings and ultimately, your behavior.
5. Tell yourself what you want on a daily basis. For instance, tell yourself daily, I will be at 125 pounds by Dec. 31.
6. Visualize yourself as living that motivation and the ultimate outcome.
7. Read about what you want to achieve. Reading keeps the idea fresh and active in your mind.
8. Spend time with people who have the same motivation. If you spend time with someone who maintains a healthy diet and healthy physical activity, then it makes it easier for you to keep that motivation in your thoughts.
9. Set a reward for the motivation... or even several rewards along the way! For instance, recall those five things which make you happy. It can be anything, such as a special gift to you, or a special trip or adventure. Hang up a picture, item or itinerary of that special reward where you can see it on a daily basis.
10. As soon as you make this step, put it into action, even if it is a very small step and set a specific time (or times) to do it everyday.
