Lack of motivation. Any tips?!

2

Replies

  • monkeeface
    monkeeface Posts: 59 Member

    You say you really don't care about the benefits of exercise, so not to be rude, but I don't understand then, why you are stressing yourself out about not going to the gym regularly or hating the gym. For me, my motivation came when I realized that I was sick and tired of feeling gross and out of shape all the time, and always worried that I was gonna have a heart attack or something. So i decided to make a change and never look back. I still have a ways to go, but I've lost 62 lbs so far this year.

    If you need to see immediate benefits of exercise to make you motivated, you need to test and push yourself. Measure yourself often, weigh yourself, see where you're at and where you'd like to be. See how long you can go hard for doing some sort of cardio, write it down, and each time you do that activity try to last a little bit longer. For weights, do the highest weight you can for a set number of reps (like say 8) for 3 sets, then each time you go, keep pushing to increase the weight.

    If you have no desire or dreams to see yourself change, then I'm not sure why you're stressing about it. You have to want to change to be motivated.

    I commend you on your weight loss. Truely fantastic.

    My issue is this: i know & can see the benefits of regular workouts & I'd love to have the motivation to go to the gym every day. I'd love to see some change in my body & inner happiness. I'd love to be fitter for general day to day health. But......you may be right....I obviously dont want those things badly enough to use them as motivation to get them. So thank you for your words, you have at least made that aspect clearer for me. Now my next challenge is working out what can make me want those things badly enough to get them!
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    Well logicked out.

    Its always best to go to the source first instead of putting bandaids on all the symptoms right? Find out what you really want and why and let that lead you closer to wanting it enough to act on it.
  • monkeeface
    monkeeface Posts: 59 Member
    yoovie is right. You just have to do it.

    I can say I am right there with you. When I go to the gym, I go and do a great workout but it is hella hard for me to get off my *kitten* to do it. Have to get find my stuff, get changed, drive there, find a machine, etc. I hate it.

    I have tried taking up different types of sports to try and get the passion which I see other people have. Soccer, cycling, golf, etc. I enjoy all of these but don't have the passion so many other do for it (except maybe golf :happy: )

    My wife is a fitness queen and has always told me I will get addicted to it. Never happens for me. Couldn't tell you why. I personally have found just doing something small is so much easier for me. I can't motivate myself to go do an hour+ of working out. I have started to do the 10 minute trainer because there is no way I can justify to myself I don't have 10 minutes a day. Maybe try something smaller to begin with.


    Just my thoughts on the subject.

    Thanks, good to know I'm not the only one who doesnt get addicted to it. Isnt 10 minutes of exercise a waste of time? I've read that you need to do 45 mins of cardio to get any benefits? (not that I can last 45 mins - I get bored after 20). Thats partly my problem, I hate wasting my time on things so if I exercise for no benefit, to me its a waste of time. I do love a bit of golf too, but I dont count that as exercise.
  • tifalva
    tifalva Posts: 220 Member
    Motivation is something I have struggled with off and on for a while also. Something that has recently gotten me on track is all of the support and feedback I get on here, its amazing and keeps me wanting to be better and better each day.

    It really does help to find a buddy to be with you through this, doing it alone sucks, is extremely difficult, and is not for everyone. The more people in our corner being our personal cheerleaders, the better.

    Motivation is internal. You have to want it for it to happen, otherwise it won't. Sometimes I think about other goals I have set for myself that weren't related to losing weight and healthy eating. There wasn't a single thing that stopped me from reaching it. I shoved every obstacle out of my way to make my non weight loss dreams come true, so why couldn't I do that for my weight loss too?

    Exercise is extremely boring and makes you not want to continue if you don't love what it is. I can't do the gym because I absolutely despise it, I looked forward to the leg machines (because I felt great accomplishment there, I am strongest in my legs so it made me feel good to increase the weight I could push), but that was it. HATED all other aspects of it. Find something you enjoy, doesn't have to be strenuous, just something that gets you moving like a sport or other activity. If you love what you do, you will continue to do it and motivation will increase, if you hate it, its going to be a pain in the *kitten* every single time and you will dread going.

    Good luck to you :)
  • yo_andi
    yo_andi Posts: 2,178 Member
    Yes, not a bad website that.

    However, there was an article that says " When you start to exercise, you start to feel better about yourself, you get addicted to the feeling. And then you chase it – exercising more, making better diet decisions, taking better care of your body."

    I still dont get this 'addicted' feeling. Some of that website has some good advice & good case studies but it still hasnt unlocked the secret to motivation.

    Another article says: " I’ve been running Nerd Fitness for over three years now, and I can say without a doubt that the question I get asked above ALL else goes something like this:

    “I know what I should do, I just can’t motivate myself to do it. Can you help?” My answer has always been “I can’t give you motivation, only the tools to use once you FIND your motivation.”

    So there you go, we still need help to find our motivation.

    That's exactly right. No-one else is going to motivate you. You must find it in yourself. You may get a bit closer to finding it if you cut through all of your cleverly disguised excuses (i.e. every reply you've made thus far on this thread). Good luck!
  • tifalva
    tifalva Posts: 220 Member
    I do love a bit of golf too, but I dont count that as exercise.

    Golf DEFINITELY counts as exercise! You use every muscle in your body to swing the club, bend down to pick up the ball and to walk through the course. You can burn over 500 calories per hour if you carry your own clubs :)
  • mommytobrayden
    mommytobrayden Posts: 28 Member
    This is going to sound so simple, but I struggle with finding the motivation to go to the gym as well. What has helped me is getting a playlist of my absolute most upbeat, favorite songs and listening to them as I work out. I know it sounds simple, but it really does work for me.

    Another thing, is just go to the gym whether you feel like it or not. Once you get started it isn't so bad.

    Good luck and I hope your motivation to hit the gym finds you soon!
  • acpgranberg
    acpgranberg Posts: 137 Member
    Try something completely different like indoor rock climbing. No one can say that isn't a full-body workout. Its also a great stress reliever because you have to figure out the puzzle of the route and it also takes the soreness out of all your muscles. I'm the biggest person there but I don't care, I love it!
  • dmpizza
    dmpizza Posts: 3,321 Member
    Its odd, but I find that if I know someone in the gym when I am there, I work out more. It doesn't happen often, but it helps.
    Maybe you can try some small group instruction and that will motivate you to go further.
    Best of luck to you.
  • monkeeface
    monkeeface Posts: 59 Member


    That's exactly right. No-one else is going to motivate you. You must find it in yourself. You may get a bit closer to finding it if you cut through all of your cleverly disguised excuses (i.e. every reply you've made thus far on this thread). Good luck!

    Thats exactly my point. I'm looking for it (within myself or elsewhere) but I haven't found it yet and I dont know where else to look. My only excuse for not exercising more is that I'm not motivated enough to do so. Which brings me right back to where I started.....how do you find motivation?!
  • kolraw
    kolraw Posts: 42 Member
    yoovie is right. You just have to do it.

    I can say I am right there with you. When I go to the gym, I go and do a great workout but it is hella hard for me to get off my *kitten* to do it. Have to get find my stuff, get changed, drive there, find a machine, etc. I hate it.

    I have tried taking up different types of sports to try and get the passion which I see other people have. Soccer, cycling, golf, etc. I enjoy all of these but don't have the passion so many other do for it (except maybe golf :happy: )

    My wife is a fitness queen and has always told me I will get addicted to it. Never happens for me. Couldn't tell you why. I personally have found just doing something small is so much easier for me. I can't motivate myself to go do an hour+ of working out. I have started to do the 10 minute trainer because there is no way I can justify to myself I don't have 10 minutes a day. Maybe try something smaller to begin with.


    Just my thoughts on the subject.

    Thanks, good to know I'm not the only one who doesnt get addicted to it. Isnt 10 minutes of exercise a waste of time? I've read that you need to do 45 mins of cardio to get any benefits? (not that I can last 45 mins - I get bored after 20). Thats partly my problem, I hate wasting my time on things so if I exercise for no benefit, to me its a waste of time. I do love a bit of golf too, but I dont count that as exercise.

    I did my first 10 minute trainer DVD last night and I think I sweat more during that than I have in a long time. The thing I like about them is it is 10 minutes of fast and furious which gets my heart rate up. If you have the extra time, you can do 2 or 3. Something a person told me once is "Ever seen a fat sprinter?" and they only run for 10 seconds. (Yes, I know they train more but I doubt many do long distance running, it is mostly strength training.)

    Anything I do which causes me to use parts of my body outside of normal use or that which elevates my heart rate counts as exercise in my book. I might not burn the most calories doing it but being outside, working my body for 2+ hours is a whole lot better than nothing. Play 36 holes straight and then tell me it isn't exercise when you are sore the next day. :laugh:
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    yoovie is right. You just have to do it.

    I can say I am right there with you. When I go to the gym, I go and do a great workout but it is hella hard for me to get off my *kitten* to do it. Have to get find my stuff, get changed, drive there, find a machine, etc. I hate it.

    I have tried taking up different types of sports to try and get the passion which I see other people have. Soccer, cycling, golf, etc. I enjoy all of these but don't have the passion so many other do for it (except maybe golf :happy: )

    My wife is a fitness queen and has always told me I will get addicted to it. Never happens for me. Couldn't tell you why. I personally have found just doing something small is so much easier for me. I can't motivate myself to go do an hour+ of working out. I have started to do the 10 minute trainer because there is no way I can justify to myself I don't have 10 minutes a day. Maybe try something smaller to begin with.


    Just my thoughts on the subject.

    Thanks, good to know I'm not the only one who doesnt get addicted to it. Isnt 10 minutes of exercise a waste of time? I've read that you need to do 45 mins of cardio to get any benefits? (not that I can last 45 mins - I get bored after 20). Thats partly my problem, I hate wasting my time on things so if I exercise for no benefit, to me its a waste of time. I do love a bit of golf too, but I dont count that as exercise.

    then dont do cardio lol youll get better burn lifting weights anywaze :D
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member


    That's exactly right. No-one else is going to motivate you. You must find it in yourself. You may get a bit closer to finding it if you cut through all of your cleverly disguised excuses (i.e. every reply you've made thus far on this thread). Good luck!

    Thats exactly my point. I'm looking for it (within myself or elsewhere) but I haven't found it yet and I dont know where else to look. My only excuse for not exercising more is that I'm not motivated enough to do so. Which brings me right back to where I started.....how do you find motivation?!

    LOL I just told you!!!!!!


    You cannot FIND motivation - you have to BECOME motivated - if youre not motivated - you can STILL workout by using determination and will power and proving your personal integrity.

    But if you dont want it, you just cant fake wanting it, babe.
  • monkeeface
    monkeeface Posts: 59 Member
    yoovie is right. You just have to do it.

    I can say I am right there with you. When I go to the gym, I go and do a great workout but it is hella hard for me to get off my *kitten* to do it. Have to get find my stuff, get changed, drive there, find a machine, etc. I hate it.

    I have tried taking up different types of sports to try and get the passion which I see other people have. Soccer, cycling, golf, etc. I enjoy all of these but don't have the passion so many other do for it (except maybe golf :happy: )

    My wife is a fitness queen and has always told me I will get addicted to it. Never happens for me. Couldn't tell you why. I personally have found just doing something small is so much easier for me. I can't motivate myself to go do an hour+ of working out. I have started to do the 10 minute trainer because there is no way I can justify to myself I don't have 10 minutes a day. Maybe try something smaller to begin with.


    Just my thoughts on the subject.

    Thanks, good to know I'm not the only one who doesnt get addicted to it. Isnt 10 minutes of exercise a waste of time? I've read that you need to do 45 mins of cardio to get any benefits? (not that I can last 45 mins - I get bored after 20). Thats partly my problem, I hate wasting my time on things so if I exercise for no benefit, to me its a waste of time. I do love a bit of golf too, but I dont count that as exercise.

    I did my first 10 minute trainer DVD last night and I think I sweat more during that than I have in a long time. The thing I like about them is it is 10 minutes of fast and furious which gets my heart rate up. If you have the extra time, you can do 2 or 3. Something a person told me once is "Ever seen a fat sprinter?" and they only run for 10 seconds. (Yes, I know they train more but I doubt many do long distance running, it is mostly strength training.)

    Anything I do which causes me to use parts of my body outside of normal use or that which elevates my heart rate counts as exercise in my book. I might not burn the most calories doing it but being outside, working my body for 2+ hours is a whole lot better than nothing. Play 36 holes straight and then tell me it isn't exercise when you are sore the next day. :laugh:

    Blimey. Cant do 36 holes in a day. 18 is enough for me. Thats usually 5 hours of walking & swearing. Yes its exercise, but not what I'd consider a 'workout' or something thats going to give any visible results
  • monkeeface
    monkeeface Posts: 59 Member
    yoovie is right. You just have to do it.

    I can say I am right there with you. When I go to the gym, I go and do a great workout but it is hella hard for me to get off my *kitten* to do it. Have to get find my stuff, get changed, drive there, find a machine, etc. I hate it.

    I have tried taking up different types of sports to try and get the passion which I see other people have. Soccer, cycling, golf, etc. I enjoy all of these but don't have the passion so many other do for it (except maybe golf :happy: )

    My wife is a fitness queen and has always told me I will get addicted to it. Never happens for me. Couldn't tell you why. I personally have found just doing something small is so much easier for me. I can't motivate myself to go do an hour+ of working out. I have started to do the 10 minute trainer because there is no way I can justify to myself I don't have 10 minutes a day. Maybe try something smaller to begin with.


    Just my thoughts on the subject.

    Thanks, good to know I'm not the only one who doesnt get addicted to it. Isnt 10 minutes of exercise a waste of time? I've read that you need to do 45 mins of cardio to get any benefits? (not that I can last 45 mins - I get bored after 20). Thats partly my problem, I hate wasting my time on things so if I exercise for no benefit, to me its a waste of time. I do love a bit of golf too, but I dont count that as exercise.

    then dont do cardio lol youll get better burn lifting weights anywaze :D

    So is it even worth doing 20 minutes of weights twice a week? I seem to have high standards & I thibk a workout is only worth doing if its a proper workout!
  • monkeeface
    monkeeface Posts: 59 Member


    That's exactly right. No-one else is going to motivate you. You must find it in yourself. You may get a bit closer to finding it if you cut through all of your cleverly disguised excuses (i.e. every reply you've made thus far on this thread). Good luck!

    Thats exactly my point. I'm looking for it (within myself or elsewhere) but I haven't found it yet and I dont know where else to look. My only excuse for not exercising more is that I'm not motivated enough to do so. Which brings me right back to where I started.....how do you find motivation?!

    LOL I just told you!!!!!!


    You cannot FIND motivation - you have to BECOME motivated - if youre not motivated - you can STILL workout by using determination and will power and proving your personal integrity.

    But if you dont want it, you just cant fake wanting it, babe.

    Ok then, I reword my issue : I cannot become motivated. I do want it.....I wouldn't be here if I didnt, but I could use some help getting there.

    Maybe if we define 'motivation'it might help. To me, motivation is the will/desire to do something. Motivation is not setting and/or reaching goals.
  • kolraw
    kolraw Posts: 42 Member
    If you go hard during those 20 minutes of lifting weights then yes. Doing any amount of exercise is better than doing nothing.

    There is no secret sauce for becoming motivated. I personally can find every excuse in the world to not do something I know I should but I don't want to.

    "Once you are embarrassed enough, you will do it."
  • ErnestinesMom
    ErnestinesMom Posts: 161
    Yes, I have a tip! Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkffx_NbzEg
  • monkeeface
    monkeeface Posts: 59 Member
    Yes, I have a tip! Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkffx_NbzEg

    Just watched it. What does it mean to you? Does it inspire/motivate you?
  • ErnestinesMom
    ErnestinesMom Posts: 161
    I am not the one with the problem.

    Try watching this one: (then tell us what u think) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH2zZkESO14&feature=fvwrel
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    yoovie is right. You just have to do it.

    I can say I am right there with you. When I go to the gym, I go and do a great workout but it is hella hard for me to get off my *kitten* to do it. Have to get find my stuff, get changed, drive there, find a machine, etc. I hate it.

    I have tried taking up different types of sports to try and get the passion which I see other people have. Soccer, cycling, golf, etc. I enjoy all of these but don't have the passion so many other do for it (except maybe golf :happy: )

    My wife is a fitness queen and has always told me I will get addicted to it. Never happens for me. Couldn't tell you why. I personally have found just doing something small is so much easier for me. I can't motivate myself to go do an hour+ of working out. I have started to do the 10 minute trainer because there is no way I can justify to myself I don't have 10 minutes a day. Maybe try something smaller to begin with.


    Just my thoughts on the subject.

    Thanks, good to know I'm not the only one who doesnt get addicted to it. Isnt 10 minutes of exercise a waste of time? I've read that you need to do 45 mins of cardio to get any benefits? (not that I can last 45 mins - I get bored after 20). Thats partly my problem, I hate wasting my time on things so if I exercise for no benefit, to me its a waste of time. I do love a bit of golf too, but I dont count that as exercise.

    then dont do cardio lol youll get better burn lifting weights anywaze :D

    So is it even worth doing 20 minutes of weights twice a week? I seem to have high standards & I thibk a workout is only worth doing if its a proper workout!

    OMG nooooo If you are lifting heavy - like really heavy and you do 2 intense 20 minute sessions per week and maybe warm up with like 10 minutes of cardio- or do a 20 minute session of high intensity cardio once a week (for a total of an hour a week)

    YOU WILL SEE PROGRESS!

    true story I swear on my life!!!!!
  • monkeeface
    monkeeface Posts: 59 Member
    I am not the one with the problem.

    Try watching this one: (then tell us what u think) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH2zZkESO14&feature=fvwrel

    I was just wondering what you thought of it, thats all. Whether it inspired you & why you thought it was an inspirational quote montage. Anyway, I'll watch this one & tell you what I think.
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member


    That's exactly right. No-one else is going to motivate you. You must find it in yourself. You may get a bit closer to finding it if you cut through all of your cleverly disguised excuses (i.e. every reply you've made thus far on this thread). Good luck!

    Thats exactly my point. I'm looking for it (within myself or elsewhere) but I haven't found it yet and I dont know where else to look. My only excuse for not exercising more is that I'm not motivated enough to do so. Which brings me right back to where I started.....how do you find motivation?!

    LOL I just told you!!!!!!


    You cannot FIND motivation - you have to BECOME motivated - if youre not motivated - you can STILL workout by using determination and will power and proving your personal integrity.

    But if you dont want it, you just cant fake wanting it, babe.

    Ok then, I reword my issue : I cannot become motivated. I do want it.....I wouldn't be here if I didnt, but I could use some help getting there.

    Maybe if we define 'motivation'it might help. To me, motivation is the will/desire to do something. Motivation is not setting and/or reaching goals.

    motivation is a quick little flare of light in our brain that is like a supplement to your willpower. It makes it just slightly easier. The rest of the time, its just our determination that gets us there.

    I dont wanna do it- but I know that 12 minutes into my workout- I wont want to stop.

    I would rather sleep late, but I know that if I wake up and do a 20 minute bodyweight circuit, I will have a great day and no one can mess up my mood.

    Motivation is just something that helps. It doesnt do it for you or move your body for you - its just like... the spoon full of sugar that helps the medicine go down.

    its not the sugar that gets you better, its the medicine.

    Take your medicine, darlin, with or without the sugar ok?

    If you dont want your teeth to fall out, you must brush them
    If you dont want the plague, wash your body daily
    If you dont want to be overweight, eat right and exercise.

    Its not about being motivated, its about doing what must be done in order to get what you want or get away from what you dont want.

    If you dont want it enough to exercise, try finding something you would love to do.

    Wanna try boxing? how about just getting great at like 3 kinds of lifts, maybe deadlift, overhead press and squats or something- just work on raising how much weight you can do with those. Or if cardio is your thing- run a 5K in a half hour. Its only 3 miles. its no big deal and a half hour isnt TOO bad right?

    You'll never find motivation if you hunt for it longer than you workout. true story!

    I really hope you succeed. I kinda wanna run into you again and see you kicking some *kitten*.
  • monkeeface
    monkeeface Posts: 59 Member
    I am not the one with the problem.

    Try watching this one: (then tell us what u think) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH2zZkESO14&feature=fvwrel

    Sorry, but equating letters to numbers is meaningless & not exactly scientific! The message: change your attitude - yes, I agree, I'm sure that will work. But still points back to the original issue - how to change an attitude - how to get motivated to change. That clip did not inspire me to run to the gym & do a hard workout
  • ErnestinesMom
    ErnestinesMom Posts: 161
    The motivation must come within you. Not from us. You may need someone else to inspire you...and that may motivate you.


    http://www.thefunlearning.com/2012/04/attitude-is-everything-inspirational.html

    I think you need to change your attitude. To me, it is negative...and that is why you are not motivated. You mentioned u may be depressed...that is a possibility...so perhaps you should talk to someone...just saying.

    Depression happens to all of us...seek help if you need it.
  • monkeeface
    monkeeface Posts: 59 Member


    That's exactly right. No-one else is going to motivate you. You must find it in yourself. You may get a bit closer to finding it if you cut through all of your cleverly disguised excuses (i.e. every reply you've made thus far on this thread). Good luck!

    Thats exactly my point. I'm looking for it (within myself or elsewhere) but I haven't found it yet and I dont know where else to look. My only excuse for not exercising more is that I'm not motivated enough to do so. Which brings me right back to where I started.....how do you find motivation?!

    LOL I just told you!!!!!!


    You cannot FIND motivation - you have to BECOME motivated - if youre not motivated - you can STILL workout by using determination and will power and proving your personal integrity.

    But if you dont want it, you just cant fake wanting it, babe.

    Ok then, I reword my issue : I cannot become motivated. I do want it.....I wouldn't be here if I didnt, but I could use some help getting there.

    Maybe if we define 'motivation'it might help. To me, motivation is the will/desire to do something. Motivation is not setting and/or reaching goals.

    motivation is a quick little flare of light in our brain that is like a supplement to your willpower. It makes it just slightly easier. The rest of the time, its just our determination that gets us there.

    I dont wanna do it- but I know that 12 minutes into my workout- I wont want to stop.

    I would rather sleep late, but I know that if I wake up and do a 20 minute bodyweight circuit, I will have a great day and no one can mess up my mood.

    Motivation is just something that helps. It doesnt do it for you or move your body for you - its just like... the spoon full of sugar that helps the medicine go down.

    its not the sugar that gets you better, its the medicine.

    Take your medicine, darlin, with or without the sugar ok?

    If you dont want your teeth to fall out, you must brush them
    If you dont want the plague, wash your body daily
    If you dont want to be overweight, eat right and exercise.

    Its not about being motivated, its about doing what must be done in order to get what you want or get away from what you dont want.

    If you dont want it enough to exercise, try finding something you would love to do.

    Wanna try boxing? how about just getting great at like 3 kinds of lifts, maybe deadlift, overhead press and squats or something- just work on raising how much weight you can do with those. Or if cardio is your thing- run a 5K in a half hour. Its only 3 miles. its no big deal and a half hour isnt TOO bad right?

    You'll never find motivation if you hunt for it longer than you workout. true story!

    I really hope you succeed. I kinda wanna run into you again and see you kicking some *kitten*.

    Thankyou. Thats all makes good sense & is encouraging me already! I do 5km in 27 mins, by the way! Well, the one time I could stay focussed for that long.

    Ok, so if I start small & do 20 mins on my gym visits, I reckon eventually I'll stay in there for longer.
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member


    That's exactly right. No-one else is going to motivate you. You must find it in yourself. You may get a bit closer to finding it if you cut through all of your cleverly disguised excuses (i.e. every reply you've made thus far on this thread). Good luck!

    Thats exactly my point. I'm looking for it (within myself or elsewhere) but I haven't found it yet and I dont know where else to look. My only excuse for not exercising more is that I'm not motivated enough to do so. Which brings me right back to where I started.....how do you find motivation?!

    LOL I just told you!!!!!!


    You cannot FIND motivation - you have to BECOME motivated - if youre not motivated - you can STILL workout by using determination and will power and proving your personal integrity.

    But if you dont want it, you just cant fake wanting it, babe.

    Ok then, I reword my issue : I cannot become motivated. I do want it.....I wouldn't be here if I didnt, but I could use some help getting there.

    Maybe if we define 'motivation'it might help. To me, motivation is the will/desire to do something. Motivation is not setting and/or reaching goals.

    motivation is a quick little flare of light in our brain that is like a supplement to your willpower. It makes it just slightly easier. The rest of the time, its just our determination that gets us there.

    I dont wanna do it- but I know that 12 minutes into my workout- I wont want to stop.

    I would rather sleep late, but I know that if I wake up and do a 20 minute bodyweight circuit, I will have a great day and no one can mess up my mood.

    Motivation is just something that helps. It doesnt do it for you or move your body for you - its just like... the spoon full of sugar that helps the medicine go down.

    its not the sugar that gets you better, its the medicine.

    Take your medicine, darlin, with or without the sugar ok?

    If you dont want your teeth to fall out, you must brush them
    If you dont want the plague, wash your body daily
    If you dont want to be overweight, eat right and exercise.

    Its not about being motivated, its about doing what must be done in order to get what you want or get away from what you dont want.

    If you dont want it enough to exercise, try finding something you would love to do.

    Wanna try boxing? how about just getting great at like 3 kinds of lifts, maybe deadlift, overhead press and squats or something- just work on raising how much weight you can do with those. Or if cardio is your thing- run a 5K in a half hour. Its only 3 miles. its no big deal and a half hour isnt TOO bad right?

    You'll never find motivation if you hunt for it longer than you workout. true story!

    I really hope you succeed. I kinda wanna run into you again and see you kicking some *kitten*.

    Thankyou. Thats all makes good sense & is encouraging me already! I do 5km in 27 mins, by the way! Well, the one time I could stay focussed for that long.

    Ok, so if I start small & do 20 mins on my gym visits, I reckon eventually I'll stay in there for longer.

    100% and I totally do NOT think you have a bad attitude- I think you want to want it and to me that is beautiful.
  • monkeeface
    monkeeface Posts: 59 Member
    The motivation must come within you. Not from us. You may need someone else to inspire you...and that may motivate you.


    http://www.thefunlearning.com/2012/04/attitude-is-everything-inspirational.html

    I think you need to change your attitude. To me, it is negative...and that is why you are not motivated. You mentioned u may be depressed...that is a possibility...so perhaps you should talk to someone...just saying.

    Depression happens to all of us...seek help if you need it.

    Thanks - I'm trying all avenues to find a solution to my lack of motivation. Depression is another avenue that I've already explored. My doctor was not that helpful and despite having anti depressants (last year) & CBT this year, I dont feel much different. Even the doctor said exercise more, you'll feel better! Tried that, and it didn't make a huge difference. So I was just wondering if I was missing something else.

    So thanks everyone, I think the rest is up to me. Sounds like nothing more to be said that can help.
  • rayne78
    rayne78 Posts: 88 Member

    I commend you on your weight loss. Truely fantastic.

    My issue is this: i know & can see the benefits of regular workouts & I'd love to have the motivation to go to the gym every day. I'd love to see some change in my body & inner happiness. I'd love to be fitter for general day to day health. But......you may be right....I obviously dont want those things badly enough to use them as motivation to get them. So thank you for your words, you have at least made that aspect clearer for me. Now my next challenge is working out what can make me want those things badly enough to get them!

    You're welcome.
    According to dictionary.com to motivate is "to give incentive to". So, maybe what you need to get your butt moving is an incentive plan. Is there something you'd like to save up for, or things you'd like to treat yourself to? (not food related). So for example, start with 20 min a week, or whatever you can handle, and then plan a reward for yourself for getting to 30 min a week or 40 min a week. It might be a way to get you interested in getting the work done. Or for each workout put $5 in a pot or assign a dollar value to a length of time spent working out. Save the money for something you want, ie clothes, a trip, an ipod, etc...but you have to work for it, and it shouldn't be food rewards
  • ErnestinesMom
    ErnestinesMom Posts: 161
    The motivation must come within you. Not from us. You may need someone else to inspire you...and that may motivate you.


    http://www.thefunlearning.com/2012/04/attitude-is-everything-inspirational.html

    I think you need to change your attitude. To me, it is negative...and that is why you are not motivated. You mentioned u may be depressed...that is a possibility...so perhaps you should talk to someone...just saying.

    Depression happens to all of us...seek help if you need it.

    I
    Thanks - I'm trying all avenues to find a solution to my lack of motivation. Depression is another avenue that I've already explored. My doctor was not that helpful and despite having anti depressants (last year) & CBT this year, I dont feel much different. Even the doctor said exercise more, you'll feel better! Tried that, and it didn't make a huge difference. So I was just wondering if I was missing something else.

    So thanks everyone, I think the rest is up to me. Sounds like nothing more to be said that can help.

    The best to you...let us know how you are doing. It is a struggle sometimes for all of us. I mentioned depression, cuz I was suffering from it and did not know it...it was so bad...and did not seek help in time. Almost lost my life because of it. What helped (the doctors DID NOT HELP me...nor the dopey meds)...was eating right (cutting out processed foods...white stuff mostly) and exercise. A winning combination.

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