Why are we so motivated to do some things, and so lazy when it comes to others? I've always said that it is easier to stay motivated when you actually want to do something. That may seem obvious but it's important to remember. It was my choice to stop drinking, therefore I've become almost competitive with myself about it. I know that eating healthy is good for me, but I enjoy eating and food and don't necessarily want to stop. I just know I should be.
I suppose the biggest challenge then, is changing thoughts to actually desire doing a task.Focusing on the outcome clearly isn't enough for me, there has to be more to why I want to eat healthier. I think a great way to spark that desire is thinking about what your actions will do for others.If I start to focus on how cruelly animals are treated in factory farms, I'm almost certain I would have the strong desire to become a vegetarian. In fact, that's exactly what I intend to do.
It may seem kind of extreme but finding something that horrifies us may be the only way to truly inspire that desire to change. For smokers, it may not be enough to see pictures of what smoking does to your lungs. Maybe talking to someone who is actually going through that though would change your thinking. My hope would be that most people don't need to focus on negativity to feel motivated, you know I'm all about positivity. But the reality is, sometimes it takes a harsh truth to move a person into action. And I believe that's okay.
Once you have that desire and have begun on your journey, maintaining motivation may become your next biggest challenge. My best advice is to continually remind yourself of why you started in the first place. Keep that desire fresh in your mind and change the way you are doing things if they don't work. If I am sick of eating salads every day, I will have to work harder to create foods that don't make me feel as if I am depriving myself. It will not always be easy, but you have to believe that something good will result from it, if it hasn't already.
One last thing to consider about motivation is getting support for your efforts. An alcoholic clearly shouldn't be surrounding themselves with drinkers, they should be around people who will encourage and support their desire to quit drinking! Again obvious, but just as important . Explain to others why you are motivated and ask for support from friends and family, no matter how small a task may seem. People respond well to determination-it is such an uplifiting and desirable quality to have. If you are in a situation where your immediate circle is more derogatory than helpful, you may need to reach out to people you don't neccesarily know (like a Weight Watcher's group for example). These programs exist for a reason, there's no need to be embarrassed by them! Some people just do not have the support they need at home, and there's nothing wrong with that. Don't be afraid to seek support to stay motivated!
At the end of the day, motivation truly takes perserverence. To be motivated is to be strong willed. So never give up. Even when you fall down, get back up and try again. Remember that motivation can not only change your life, but the world!
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