what motivates you?

egirlcat207
egirlcat207 Posts: 51 Member
in Motivation and Support
It seems I have the best intentions when I wake up. Today will be different I tell myself. But then whatever I was thinking/ feeling quickly changes and I am left with no motivation. I know I need to get up and moving, so my question to you is- what motivates you when your couch is so damn comfortable?
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Replies

  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    Initially I was motivated by the feeling that being fat was uncomfortable. It's no fun when you sit down and can only rest your hands on your belly. Or when you waddle when you walk. Chafing sucks. Being out of breath from walking up the stairs sucks. I was simply tired of living like that.

    Now, I'm motivated by feeling great. I created a new body and I tons of energy and I enjoy exercise. I take my time on the couch and I enjoy a lazy day here and there.....but I enjoy the new HABITS I've created for myself so much more.
  • adrylong
    adrylong Posts: 29
    I was really not motivated. One day I went to buy some shorts and I realized that the shorts that fit me were the largest size I have ever worn. That night, I laid in bed just thinking about how horrible I felt. It was at that point, I decided I can feel bad for myself or do something about it.

    To keep me motivated, I tend to use Tumblr a lot, because there are a lot of people who are fitness motivated there, and post a lot of inspirational things tagged with #fitblr. I get a lot of ideas on workout routines, recipes, and just inspirational messages that keep me going.

    I used to park my car in front of the gym at work so that I would not have an excuse not to go, but I would find myself not motivated and just leaving work. Now as I sit at my desk, I can't wait to go home and do my strength training and cardio exercises.
  • ames105
    ames105 Posts: 288 Member
    At first I was motivated because I developed stomach issues. It took six months to be diagnosed as needing my gall bladder removed. I felt better when I ate better so it was easy.

    Once the gall bladder came out, I slipped back into bad habits. It didn't help that I was dating someone who could eat anything he wanted (and did!).

    Now, what motivates me is Mr. I Can Eat Anything broke up with me. There is nothing like the thought of looking good to make someone sorry they left you. I can thank him for the last ten pounds I've lost...and I plan to keep going for my health and for the revenge factor. Whatever gets you there is good.

    Good luck to you in your jouney!
  • conniemaxwell5
    conniemaxwell5 Posts: 943 Member
    To put it bluntly - My desire to lose weight finally got bigger than my desire to sit on my a**. I found a quote that said, "If it's important you'll find a way. If it's not, you'll find an excuse." I took a good hard look at myself and decided losing weight and being healthy IS important to me and I was going to stop making excuses. I work 10 hours a day and have something going on most evenings so I started getting up at 4 a.m. to work out. I get 5 hours of sleep a night and feel great. Is it hard - yes! Would I rather stay in bed, watch TV, read a book - most days YES! But I want to lose weight and be fit more than I want to do those things.
  • Alidecker
    Alidecker Posts: 1,262 Member
    Seeing the scale go down was motivation for me in the beginning. I had a lot to lose, so it was coming off pretty quickly and easily. Then I started hitting plateaus with weight loss, but I had other fitness goals to reach, so that kept me motivated. Now, I just feel horrible when I take more than one day off. If I take two days in a row off, I just don't feel right. I feel sluggish, don't sleep well and just "off". Pictures also motivate me. I look back at old pictures and don't want to go back.
  • kellijauch
    kellijauch Posts: 379 Member
    Honestly, your motivation is a very personal, internal thing. Why are you doing this? What will you gain in your success? Will it strengthen your relationship and keep your mate at home where they belong? Will it help you find an attractive mate if you're single? How great will you feel, physically and emotionally when you reach your goal (and along the way)?

    Personally - I am motivated by remembering who I used to be. I used to be skinny and tough as nails. The older I got, the softer I got (in both ways). I am working my way back to that little unstoppable punk rock girl I used to be (while still maintaining the improvements I have made to my character). I listen to songs that remind me of that girl. I know I can bring her out again.
    - I'm also motivated by my boyfriend. I am so much more confident around him now, and able to hang out with him feeling sexy the whole time (without having to watch how I am sitting or have certain clothes on to hide my flaws). That alone makes him happier, but just seeing the look on his face when I put on some tight clothes, or the shine in his eyes when we are getting ready for a nice date is enough to keep me on track. I know he is so much more attracted to me now (even though he was to begin with of course), and I love the ways he shows it without realizing.
  • 43932452
    43932452 Posts: 7,246 Member
    The numbers on the scale, the numbers/letters in
    my wardrobe. My reflection in the mirror, the way
    my hubby likes my current physique .. but mostly
    being told by my docs I'm healthy. All of this
    motivates me. :)
  • stephaniemejia1671
    stephaniemejia1671 Posts: 482 Member
    Knowing that the work I am doing will get me feeling better, looking better and will bring me a better longer healthier life. Sitting on the couch won't do that. THAT get's me up and moving.
  • kellijauch
    kellijauch Posts: 379 Member
    The numbers on the scale, the numbers/letters in
    my wardrobe. My reflection in the mirror, the way
    my hubby likes my current physique .. but mostly
    being told by my docs I'm healthy. All of this
    motivates me. :)

    I love buying new clothes that are smaller sizes! It really makes you feel great and like it's all worth it for sure!
  • GAB219
    GAB219 Posts: 27 Member
    My profile picture motivates me. The picture on the left was taken a couple of weeks before Easter during a egg hunt at work. When I saw that picture, it hit me. Before that picture I would look in the mirror and think that I’m not that bad (total denial). I started using MPF daily and it clicked. I know the whole deal about eat less/ move more but never actually put it in action but with the help of MPF, I realized how easy it is. It's been about 4 months and I've lost 11lbs, I'm doing it slowly but it's steady. I did take a 2 week break due to illness, luckily I didn't gain. Knowing how easy the process is and that it works motivates me also (wished it clicked in my head sooner). I believe that you have to have motivation within yourself to help you in the long run.
  • _Tink_
    _Tink_ Posts: 3,845 Member
    My mirror, my scale, my clothing, and an obnoxious drive to get closer to perfection. I'll never be perfect, but I can be the best me possible. I hated the way I felt about myself when I was heavier and out of shape. I was ashamed every time I looked in the mirror or pulled on clothes that were too tight.
  • mumtoonegirl
    mumtoonegirl Posts: 586 Member
    every time I want to eat crap and stay on the couch I remember back to what I used to feel like, healthwise and how I saw myself.

    My favourite thought is 'health feels better than not healthy tastes'
  • Chemburly12
    Chemburly12 Posts: 53
    Two things motivate me: Food and the size of my thighs.

    At first I would only allow myself to have small treats if I got up and exercised. I've done that so many times that now it's just second nature. I want some ice cream later, have to go for a run now. Want a cheeseburger for dinner? Zumba!!

    And the reason I really started wanting to lose weight was when I had to buy a larger pair of jeans cuz the smaller size wouldn't fit over my chubby thighs. I carry a lot of weight in my hips and thighs. It embarassed me. Now that I'm really starting to shed the weight I can see how much slimmer I'm getting. It's thrilling to put on a pair of yoga pants and not worry that my jiggling thunder will scare the neighborhood kids as I run by.
  • fitgirl4x48
    fitgirl4x48 Posts: 30 Member
    I have fibromyalgia so getting weaker and weaker from NOT working out was bothering me. Opening a door became painful in my arms and finally I had enough and thought: I should be able to open a freakin' door!!!"

    The pain will be here no matter what, so why not be fit? I go to the gym at noon hours and started slowly and yes, sometimes I take a day off here/there....but my legs and arms are stronger, my butt is rounder and I feel so much better!!

    Just takes a moment to tell yourself to "shut up" and quit being so lame, and you will get up and go.

    FG
  • _crafty_
    _crafty_ Posts: 1,682 Member
    the look on my boyfriend's face as I drop my clothes to the floor. :love:
  • 43932452
    43932452 Posts: 7,246 Member
    The numbers on the scale, the numbers/letters in
    my wardrobe. My reflection in the mirror, the way
    my hubby likes my current physique .. but mostly
    being told by my docs I'm healthy. All of this
    motivates me. :)

    I love buying new clothes that are smaller sizes! It really makes you feel great and like it's all worth it for sure!


    I couldn't agree more. :D
  • belgerian
    belgerian Posts: 1,059 Member
    The way I feel after i just completed my run.
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    If you can't motivate yourself, then you need a wakeup call. Like a health scare.
  • Tony_Brewski
    Tony_Brewski Posts: 1,376 Member
    Self hate motivates. I hate how I am and want to be better. So I push myself because I hate myself.
  • Seefylol
    Seefylol Posts: 197
    Myself and music :)
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    read this, and watch the video on the bottom. helped me.

    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/08/31/is-it-really-worth-it/
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    I learned waiting for "motivation" was just an excuse to fail at life. : ) No motivation? Do it anyways.
  • quiltlovinlisa
    quiltlovinlisa Posts: 1,710 Member
    I learned waiting for "motivation" was just an excuse to fail at life. : ) No motivation? Do it anyways.

    I have to agree. Even when I don't feel like moving, I've gotten up and did the minimum at least and I've never regretted it. I find that those unmotivated times are becoming less and less as my body is craving movement. It's a wonderful feeling.
  • sidewinder76
    sidewinder76 Posts: 287
    Thing that motivates me is when people say I can't. Sounds strange but I strongly dislike when other's presume to know what I'm personally capable of.
  • TheRunningGuppy
    TheRunningGuppy Posts: 651 Member
    I learned waiting for "motivation" was just an excuse to fail at life. : ) No motivation? Do it anyways.

    I have to agree. Even when I don't feel like moving, I've gotten up and did the minimum at least and I've never regretted it. I find that those unmotivated times are becoming less and less as my body is craving movement. It's a wonderful feeling.

    This is it for me too. Just do it.
  • runningjen74
    runningjen74 Posts: 312 Member
    Working in a hospital in oncology. Two sets of people come in, those who made bad lifestyle choices along the way and those with very bad luck/genetics/exposed to something. Nothing I can do about my luck/genetics, but I sure can make the best version of me to minimise my risk to cancer/diabetes/heart disease/etc..
  • nyrina4life
    nyrina4life Posts: 196 Member
    What motives me the most right now is the Dirty Girl 5k mud run I am planning to do in February and my honeymoon next year! A lot of the excursions say we need to be in shape (basically, just all sweet and sugar coated so as not to offend!).
  • Bel0602
    Bel0602 Posts: 135 Member
    I think just being uncomfortable is enough for me. I gained 7 pounds since November. I know its not too much. But I definitely feel different. Less happier. Jeans feel uncomfortable.

    Right now main goal is losing the 7 that i gained. And then some more later on. Remembering how much more happier and better I felt about myself when i was 7lbs lighter is enough for me to get motivated.
  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    As I am getting older I find I have this young soul trapped in an aging body and I want to keep my body as active as my mind for as long as I can.

    I want to be there to help mentor and raise my two boys.

    I want to inspire others!
  • FitnessGirlD
    FitnessGirlD Posts: 58
    what motivates me is stepping on the scale and seeing a loss... any loss. Seeing my clothes fit looser motivates me too! =)

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