The biggest challenge that people face in making health changes is staying motivated. Did you know that the main reason that people fail when they try to get healthy is THEY TRY TO GO TOO FAST! Don't change your whole life all at once and start making broccoli cookies and tofu shakes. Go SLOW and change a little thing - like stop pigging out at parties and other events. Make a small change and make it permanent.
If your health regimen is making you feel overwhelmed, stop doing some of it. Seriously. You can learn all about wheat germ and pendlay rows later. If you get overwhelmed go back to the basics. How much are you eating, and how much should you eat? If life is really busy right now, maybe you need to simplify your workouts, or make them shorter but more intense.
Here are some ideas for getting motivated:
1. Track your progress in ways other than weight and body fat %. Maybe track your moods, your energy levels or a few body measurements. That way you can see the successes that aren't measured by the scale.
2. Write down 5 strong reasons why YOU NEED to be healthier. Write: "I must be healthier because if I don't then..." fill in the blanks with stuff that will scare you into working out when you don't want to. If can't think of anything, ask your doctor. They are trained to scare people. :)
3. Take time to notice how good you feel after a strong workout. This will help you associate the workout with the good feelings that come with it.
4. This is a no brainer, but do something fun for exercise! If you just can't think of anything, get an audio book or some killer music to help keep you going while you find the right workout for you.
5. Get a workout partner, or join an online fitness group like Fitocracy.
6. Take pictures of yourself every week. I'm not talking about pictures of your feet. Take pictures of the parts of your body you'd like to work on and the parts you like. Being honest about where you are at is a good motivator. Plus, you might be surprised how fast you will begin looking better.
7. Set a consistent workout schedule. Work out at the same times so your body knows when to gear up for some sweating.
8. Find a 5k or some other healthy goal and start working towards it. Maybe you want to be able to do 100 pushups - find a program and make it happen.
9. Collect some quotes that motivate you. Read the latest @HBMWellness tweets!
10. Get involved with health. Find a blog, podcast, magazine or other place where you can hear about health news and fitness topics. As you hear about other people having success, you will believe that you too can change.
11. Get a visual. You may find it motivating to see other people working out and getting fit. That doesn't mean you buy binoculars and watch your neighbors. Find a gym and workout with people who care about health - just like you!
Here is the numero uno:
Don't let negative thoughts about your progress (or even lack of progress) sap your strength. If you can get your mind straight, you can improve your health.Stop thinking of yourself as the fat/slow/weak person. Think of yourself as someone who cares about being fit and living well. When someone hands you something that is 90% lard and 10% sugar ask yourself if a healthy person would eat it. Maybe they would! But would they eat the whole thing? Probably not. Start acting like the healthy person you want to be.
There is a Zen saying which says, "If you do not change direction, you are in danger of arriving where you are headed."
Figure out where you are headed, and decide if that is where you should be. Then... get to work.
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