So apparently I have hit a nerve, or perhaps a soft spot (heehee), with my post the other day.  Sounds like many of you are also struggling with motivation… YAY!! I’m not the only one!

I have been asked so many times how I stay motivated.  Although, um… I ask that you do as I say, not as I do because at the moment, if you read my post: Lacking Motivation,  I have not been terribly motivated to work out recently…

BUT, I made up a list of what kept me on track and quite literally going at times;

1st:  Find a workout buddy. 

It’s not only much more fun, but knowing that someone’s waiting for you is motivating in itself!  Some of my peeps and I are blessed enough now to belong to a gym together, but for a long time we used to workout at each other’s homes!

On a side note if you are attempting Shaun T’s Insanity…it is imperative that you get insane together…that workout is seriously CRAZY!!  (but oh so fun with people you can whine with!!)

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”   Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

2nd:  Take pictures & measurements. 

(I know, I know, how awful…)  Sometimes it is the best way to track how you’re doing when the scale has decided to go on strike against you!  When you hit a “plateau” in weight loss, it very well could be your body and metabolism changing (which is a great thing, right?!!).  Sometimes the only way to truly see your accomplishments is through a lens or on the measuring tape.  Believe me, after a while the before & after pictures may be what you are most proud of!!

“A full and fair weight you shall have, a full and fair measure you shall have, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. For all who do such things, all who act dishonestly, are an abomination to the LORD your God.”   Deuteronomy 25:15-16

3rd:  Workout in the early morning.

I have found that getting up early while everyone else is asleep works best for me.  With a hubby & four kids, that’s about the only “me time” I get, and no one misses me while I’m gone.  Plus, after work or at night never seems to work, something always seems to come up or I’m just too tired.  I promise you, the hardest part is getting up!!

“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”   Galatians 5:17

4th:  Find something you love

Try everything and switch things up to keep it interesting.  I love kickboxing most, but I have tried everything; spinning, running, rock climbing, swimming, biking, zumba, boot camp, etc…  if it’s a chore and you don’t enjoy it, you won’t stick with it.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”   1 Corinthians 13:7

5th:  Set goals to stay motivated.

If you haven’t read my weight loss story: Lacking Motivation, now might be the time.  In 2006 I started eating better, exercising, setting weight goals and rewarding myself when I achieved them.  I have lost 75 pounds and have kept the weight off.

   

“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”   1 Corinthians 9:25

Lastly:  Register for a race.

Since I’ve started all of this, I’ve done several 5k races, 4 sprint triathlons, a couple mud runs (including the Warrior Dash) and a 1/2 marathon!  It is so awesome (once you’re done of course) at the sense of accomplishment & pride you feel completing a race, and it sure helps to keep you motivated to workout!!  (Plus the t-shirts & medals are fun to show off too!) 🙂

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”   1 Corinthians 9:24

What I realized though is that we don’t lack motivation in just weight loss, it can apply to everything in life;

Prayer time…

School work…

Household chores…

Bible reading…

Work obligations…

Parenting…

And as long as we seek direction, discipline ourselves, stay the course, and glorify God through every race, every load of laundry, every spreadsheet, every prayer, every test… we’ll be on the right track.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”   Colossians 3:17

What area do you need to be more disciplined in?

What’s holding you back?

Make a plan, take a step, and see it through.  No more excuses!!