Friday, December 6, 2013

My Fitness Journey: How I Keep At It

I think the question I am asked most frequently is, "How do you stay motivated?"

To be honest, I really don't know how I stay motivated but I know it comes from within.  With that being said, I do get inspired by outside sources to continue with my journey.

I never thought I'd feel this way, but I really like it when people ask me what I do for my exercise, what kind of meals I eat, basically what I do and how I stick to my plan.  I ask why they ask me what I am doing.  I ask what they hope to achieve and why.  I share with them what I do, but most importantly, highlighting the struggles.

Each day, I struggle to choose the right foods, even though they are already planned out and cooked.  I need to convince myself to go to the gym, even the limited 3 times a week.  I've made every excuse in the book.  I am quite the Queen of Excuses.  I had one for every reason and circumstance.  Now I have adopted a no-excuses policy.  That has helped me get myself in the gym.  Some days I am really feeling tired or down, but in the end I am glad I did what I need to do.

I find inspiration and motivation from surprising places:
  • Knowing that when I complete my workout, that I will feel like I've accomplished something, and that is an amazing feeling.
  • Seeing/feeling results--muscles growing, increased speed or amount of exercise.
  • When friends and family compliment me, I know I am doing something right.
  • Talking to others and encouraging others to begin, revive or continue their own fitness journeys helps me want to continue with mine.
  • Friends encourage me.
  • Facebook, blog and Instagram fitness and positive body image personalities provide daily motivation, especially ones who are still on the road to their goals.
  • Seeing strangers, especially the elderly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
  • Little things, like maybe a fitness clothing ad, or maybe a license plate with an inspirational phrase, reminds me to keep at it.

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