What Motivates Me

After a week of being sick, and feeling weak, and frankly nervous about exercising again, I was starting to lose my motivation. I have worked out this week, but my heart wasn't in it (well, technically, it was, but metaphorically...not at all.) So, along with talking myself into working out this week, I have also been working on remembering what motivated me in the first place. Here's a few of the things that keep me going: 

*Pinterest. I don't spend a ton of time at that site, but when I do I spend the majority of my time in the fitness section. I can almost ALWAYS find a poster or web page that will keep me going. I pulled up my own little board of fitness motivation and saw the thing I re pinned that said, "You're one workout away from a good mood." It was exactly what I needed today. I have been a grump all week and for no good reason. I went running tonight and it helped clear my head. I accomplished my goal. I did really well. It gave me time to zone out and let the thoughts sift and flow as they pleased through my brain.

*Re-reading my goals. Seems so basic and obvious, but when I read them, I can feel the same excited feeling I had when I set them, and I get jazzed all over again! It reminds me where I am headed and what I want.

*Listening to others talk about their health, or lack thereof. Ok that last part sounded a little bit rude. What I mean is this: when I hear others talk about their health issues that have resulted from a lack of a healthy life-style, I am reminded of why I do not want that. Listening to healthy people talk about all the fun stuff they do...not THAT I want!!!

*Look online for ways to workout without a gym membership. Poking around and seeing what there is to do, and watching fit people do these things, keeps me wanting more, and helps me believe it's possible.

*Accepting compliments, and sometimes even giving them to myself. People are starting to notice, more and more, that I am a more compact version of myself than I was at the start of the year. Sometimes they ask me what I'm doing and it's fun to tell them. It's also fun to say, "Thank you!" when they compliment me. Why? Because I know I have worked hard and the compliment is well-earned. Overall I am pretty pleased with the way I am put together, but I have not taken good care of myself. I like to tell myself positive little messages when I do well with eating choices or working out. I also gave myself a mental high-five the other day when I was able to fit into pants I had not worn in over a year. SA-WEET!!! that was the same morning I reached my first big goals of the year. A weight loss milestone, and a nice, hefty shift in body fat and muscle mass %. All on the same day! Most excellent :)

I realize this isn't a very long list, and I that once I stabilize at a good, healthy weight, the compliments will stop, but for now, this is what is working, so I am going to keep at it!