When health isn't enough reason

Every now and then I read a post that says, basically, "why don't you just do it?" (referring to somebody else's lack of weight loss effort). I often think that they just don't have a good enough reason. To many people, getting healthier is good enough reason. They start because their doctor told them to, or because they don't want to get diabetes. For others, social pressure does the trick: they simply want to look better, or they're ashamed of their current weight.

For me, it's none of these reasons. When I was an obese teenager, I wanted to look better. But that wasn't enough. When I was in college, my parents were diagnosed with diabetes. I became very aware of my risk, but it still wasn't enough. I hit 200 lbs, and became ashamed, but that wasn't enough either. I had nieces and nephews that I love playing with, but I couldn't keep up with them, or play for very long with my lack of energy. Still, it wasn't enough.

What inspired me get serious? Doctor Who.
As I approached my 30's I became acutely aware of a strong desire for adventure. I deeply enjoy books and shows that involve adventures - and there's plenty in Doctor Who. I held some silly fantasies about accompanying Doctor Who around the universe, or walking into Mordor, or dodging a dragon on a broomstick. But I also had more realistic fantasies: backpacking through Europe, hiking in the mountains, building infrastructure with the Peace Corp.

One day I saw a show in which the show host interviewed Whovians at a convention and asked "If you were the Doctor's companion, do you think you would survive?" Giving this some serious thought, I had to say no, I wouldn't. I couldn't possibly keep up with all the running. And then, if I did, my brain seems to shut down when heart rate goes up so I wouldn't be able to rely on my cleverness either.

Silly as it sounds, this was a tough reality for me. Because I also had to face the reality that if I went back-packing around Europe, I would have to sit down every 30 minutes. I could never hike anything longer than a mile. And if I did I would be holding up anybody else that goes with me. I've got a good head on my shoulders, and I'm good when things don't go as planned. But the reality is that any kind of adventure that requires me to move could quite possibly kill me. I crave adventure, not suicide. That's when I got serious.

So I found my motivation in something that matters to me more than all the rest. Health: no. Beauty: no. Social pressure: no. Family time: No. Long life: No. Adventure: yes. Freedom: yes.

The more common motivations just don't cut it for everybody. Do you have a less conventional motivation? Please share it.