Staying Motivated

I just received an email from a sweet lady who wanted to know my “program” (or schedule) and what keeps me motivated.

Motivation is a subject I think we all struggle with from time to time. For me, it was easy (well, not easy—but easier) to be motivated while I was on The Biggest Loser. I had constant reminders of the goal set before me. There was a big monetary prize at the end of the finish line, but more importantly there was a new life awaiting me. During that time, though the “work” was hard, the motivation was clear.

So since then I have had to adopt a similar—although modified—attitude. I still have to set goals to remain motivated and focused. They can be little. And they can be goals that are known to only me. Not too long ago I had a goal of running a local 5k marathon. And now, I am looking forward to traveling to Los Angeles in a couple of weeks for The Biggest Loser Season 7 Finale. That will be a fun time, but also a time to be reacquainted with Jillian and Bob and many of my former teammates. Now that’s motivation.

I’ve said before that my “program” or exercise regime at one time (on the show) included 4-6 or more hours of working out daily. That’s just not practical for a busy wife and mother like many of us. But I do exercise five days a week. It’s something I must do for myself. For my physical and mental health and so that I can be prepared to meet all the demands of daily living. Don’t let yourself buy the lie that you don’t have time to exercise. You may view it as a necessary evil, but believe me it is necessary.

I take the weekends off from scheduled exercise but still try to be active and do something fun with my family. And I enjoy a “high calorie” meal once a week. Not that I go crazy with it, but I know that if I can enjoy a favorite meal or a treat once a week I don’t feel deprived and it keeps me on track.

Ultimately each person has to find what works for them. But for me, this is my “program” and what keeps me motivated.