Learn Secrets of Motivation and Achieve Weight Loss and Fat Loss Success...
Are you motivated to lose weight? Many people believe that motivation is a magical quality that some people have and some people don't. But there are easy techniques that anyone can learn. By understanding how motivation works, you can assemble the building blocks you need to achieve weight loss success.
Different Kinds of Motivation
There are two kinds of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic motivation is the inspiration that comes from an external
source, outside of you. For example, if your physician tells you that
you need to lose weight, you may be externally motivated to go on a diet out of
fear of poor health. Many rewards are extrinsic sources.
If you go
on a diet in order to fit into a smaller dress size, your motivation is
extrinsic.
Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, comes from within. If you
exercise because of the sense of accomplishment you achieve at the end
of the workout your source of motivation is intrinsic. If you choose a healthy snack because it makes you feel better about yourself, you are internally or intrinsically motivated.
So why do different types of motivation matter? Extrinsic and
intrinsic inspiration will come into play at different times during your
weight loss experience. By understanding how to use both extrinsic and
intrinsic forms, you equip yourself with the tools you need for weight
loss success.
Use Extrinsic Motivation to Accomplish Short Term Goals
People often begin an exercise or weight loss program for external
reasons: their clothes don't fit, their doctor has told them that they
need to lose weight, family and friends have put pressure on them to
slim down. These extrinsic factors are great for getting the ball
rolling.
When you feel outside pressure to lose weight, let it motivate you to gather information. You may not be ready to go on a diet, but you can learn more about weight loss goals and exercise programme. Find out if there are small steps you can take to
improve your health before you take the plunge and commit to a
full-scale weight-loss program. Ask your physician about how making
small changes to your diet or lifestyle will affect your health.
Extrinsic motivation can also be helpful when you need a gentle nudge
to achieve short-term goals. For example, you might know that exercise
is good for you, you may even know that you'll feel better after you
complete a workout, but on some days you might still struggle to get to
the gym. On those days, promise yourself a healthy reward.
Set the DVD to record your favorite show or pick up some bubble bath
and reward yourself with time in the tub after the workout is complete.
Foster Intrinsic Motivation to Achieve Long-Term Success
While extrinsic motivation may help you overcome short-term
challenges, people who are successful at weight loss are usually
motivated by intrinsic factors. Eating well and exercising makes them
feel good so they continue to practice healthy habits for the long term. So how do you create internal motivation? The good news is that most
people already have it. All you have to do is find it, identify it and
acknowledge it.
3 Steps to Foster Internal Motivation
- Set short-term goals. Set yourself up for success by setting very short-term achievable goals. Your long-term goal might be to lose 30 pounds, but a good short-term goal might be to eat a lean healthy breakfast each day during the week. If a weekly goal seems too broad, set a goal for just one day or even an hour. Swap the high calorie soda for water during one meal or commit to cut your lunch in half and save half for another day.
- Keep a journal. Write out each goal in a journal. At the end of the day, comment on the day's success. Keep in mind that just taking the time to write in your journal is healthy and an accomplishment in itself. Use positive words that describe how you feel about your actions.
- Acknowledge your success. Take time to review your successes and give yourself credit. Review your journal on a regular basis and take pride in every step you've taken to improve your health
As you move through the process of fostering internal motivation, you'll
find that your confidence in your own abilities will increase. When you
acknowledge the success of small accomplishments, it becomes easier to
believe that larger goals are attainable. You begin to believe in
yourself and in your ability to change your health by changing your
weight.
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