Can people REALLY be motivated by someone else?

I think it's a bit of both. I find all my friends on here keep me going when I feel like throwing in the towel on a bad day, but also think that button has to click inside too!

I believe it's both. At least for me it is. I quit smoking because my mom died from smoking related illness. That was when something clicked inside of me.
For weight loss, I've always been kind of lazy about it. I've never really had any trouble before, but I'm older, quit smoking, had my second child and it is challenging this time! A friend and co-worker of mine has motivated me to get serious about working out because I see her progress. She has lost almost 70lbs and looks amazing! I only want to lose about half that amount total. Her and I talk about our work out sessions, I borrow DVD's from her, she asks me how my work out went yesterday. I honestly feel guilty if I have to tell her I didn't do it. So, in that situation, yes I think people REALLY can be motivated by someone else!

BOTH!!

I needed that 'click'. For me the trigger was a couple of stays in hospital (even though non-weight related), coupled with my cholesterol levels going through the roof. Scared the *kitten* out of me, and made me realize my own mortality, and that I had to take action.

Both .... it has to "click" to make a change, especially a lifetime change. However, seeing someone in the same boat as you who is successful can help you envision your goals as possible.

I think it's all from inside the person. Other people can cause you to change how you think about yourself, so you get the motivation to change, but ultimately it comes from inside you. People who only try to change for other people give up after a while and usually totally resent making any changes at all.

Other people can keep you accountable though, which is not the same as motivating you.

i would say both. you definetly have to want it for yourself for you to acheive your goals.
but my husband is my biggest motivator.

I think it's both. Certainly a person has to want to change before they will. But just as certainly it's possible for someone else to motivate that change. And even more possible for people to help keep each other motivated once the decision to change is made.

Or....does something INSIDE of each person have to "click" to change long-held behaviors? I believe it's the latter.

Your thoughts please.

I let others inspire me. I have to be my OWN motivator though. Cause ain't nobody else telling me to put the Nutella down at random times of the day and get my butt moving. But yes, having others on board does and will help. We didn't learn crappy eating habits by ourselves, right? People are where it's at. Just make a decision to set yourself on a course, find people that will inspire and support you and who are on that course themselves, and get to it.

Has to come from within. Once you are motivated, you can find inspiration in others but without your own motivation, you won't ever get anywhere.

Of course they can!

I am motivated by the people here every single day. That being said, if I didn't want it so badly for myself, I wouldn't keep coming back. They offer that extra push when you need it, but it has to come from within YOU.

I think it has to come from within...someone else may inspire you..but motivate...not so much.

Definitely both, I have to feel the motivation for myself first but find that the support I get keeps me going when I feel like quitting and on here I find myself looking at other users exercises and thinking if they can do it then so can I

Something has to click first, but friends keep me motivated. If I'm feeling dissappointed that I didn't reach a goal, others give me encouragement and i don't feel as bad! Knowing your not the only one who struggles makes me say to myself "its okay, stick with it, it happens". When I hear about other peoples success it makes me motivated as well.