Motivation

Motivation can be a tricky thing. I believe that life can sometimes get in the way of our motivation. I have read books, magazine articles, and web articles on the subject of motivation.

Here is a list of ways to sustain motivation:

• Hold yourself back at first. Don't start an exercise program or any program with full gusto--slowly increase over time. This has been a difficult one for me. I always want to kill myself the first time.
• Just start...just put your shoes on and go--don't keep thinking about how hard it is. 
• Stay accountable. Write your workouts and food down. Show them to someone. Commit daily. Reward yourself for certain increments and accomplishments.
• Squash negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
• Think about the benefits. Really visualize yourself at the end goal.
• Get excited again...pump yourself up. 
• Read about it...read books or blogs to inspire and reinvigorate you.
• Find like-minded friends...encourage each other.
• Build on your successes. (add 2-5 minutes to your workout time; add a heavier weight; celebrate that you started; celebrate every little milestone; make each step a small increment).
• Tiny steps add up to a lot of progress and a lot of success.
• Just get through the low points.
• Chart your progress...mark it off on your calendar.
• Reward yourself often...just not with food.
• Never skip 2 days in a row.
• Beware of the urges to quit...remember the benefits. Go exercise when the urge to quit arises.
• Find pleasure again...find pleasure in a walk or in eating healthy.
• Find what makes you feel good...blast your favorite song and sing and dance to it; use Elliptical while watching your favorite TV show or movie.
• Be more energetic...move more.
• Be efficient...don't wast time.

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