| Well, I have two thoughts for you today:
MOTIVATION TIP #1:
As author Simon Sinek puts it, always start with "WHY." You need to have a strong "WHY" statement in order to convince your mind anything is worth doing as an ongoing lifestyle. Negative reinforcement and fear may have their places in the short term, but long-term habits are built by repeated discipline of smaller habits and having a strong personal "WHY" statement.
A why statement does not have to be anything too elaborate. It can be something as simple as, "I want to have less hip pain SO THAT I can travel with my spouse." Or something like, "I want to be able to get up and down off the floor so I may play with my grandkids." It's rarely enough to simply say, "I want to have less pain," or "I want to lose 10 pounds." Wouldn't most people? Once those things are achieved, you know what happens next, right? You will stop!
Do you have a "WHY" statement that speaks to your individual goals ... the things that are important to you, such as: family, friends, hobbies, etc.??
If not, PLEASE stop reading this email and make one right now, then come back. Don't overthink it.
Once you have your "WHY" statement, a professional like me can help you with the "WHAT" and the "HOW." Those parts are usually much easier to figure out. Call me about those parts ... Your "WHY" may never change, but we may need to tweak your "WHAT and "HOW" over time.
Once you have your "WHY" statement, you're not done! Make it highly visible. Post it everywhere, your fridge, your mirrors, your computer monitor.... and here's the key, recite it OUT LOUD.
MOTIVATION TIP #2:
Indulge me for a moment. Think of a car you have absolutely loved in the past, or even one you wish you had! Got it?
Imagine I said to you, Friend, I will give you this (insert dream car) for free, but the catch is, you need to make it last for 15 years. In our fantasy scenario, you are unable to buy any other car during that time.
What would you do for that car? Would you neglect it? Ignore maintenance checks? Never change the oil? No! Of course not! You'd pamper that car more than your own pet or child! (Unless you really like walking long distances).
Our bodies are no different. You have 1 FABULOUS machine in your life. If you take care of it, your body can do marvelous things for you. If not, well .... I think you know.
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