Let’s face it, choosing between a donut and a diet is a matter of motivation. Want to live healthy, feel better and enjoy life, or satisfy a short-term desire to chomp on foods that are a waste and end up on your waist. To make lasting progress, you must know what’s motivating you to adjust your lifestyle into a healthy one.
Here are some tips to keep your motivation running high:
- Be purpose driven. Stay on track with your goals by writing down a purpose statement. When you see success in your mind, it is more likely to become a reality. Use the five Essentials—Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus, and Friends as a guideline to write what you want for yourself.
- Set smart goals. Smart goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Goals that follow these standards will help you keep your focus on what is most important.
- Know your motivation. You have to know why you want to be healthy. Write it down and put it where you can see it every day. Be positive and approach it from two angles—to attain benefits, and to avoid negative consequences. Motivators might include:
“I want to live long.”
“I want to have great energy.”
“I want to look great.”
“I want to feel better.”
“I want to have better relationships.”
“I want to be happier and smarter for the long run.”
For Dr. Daniel Amen, time with his family is his motivating factor:
“For me, I have an amazing wife, four wonderful children, and a grandson, Elias. My grandfather was one of the most important people in my whole life. I was named after him and he was my best friend growing up. I know how important grandparents can be.
