What is your WHY?
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hillabeans23 wrote: »My why:
I hope that taking control, other areas of my life will fall into place.
They absolutely will. You will have more energy, you will gain more confidence, and chores and activities you struggled with will become easier and more enjoyable. You can do it! Thanks for sharing!
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Are you a parent or guardian looking for other parents or guardians for support? Then come on over to my other message board. We'd love to have you share your journey with us!
community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10024045/moms-and-dads-looking-for-support/p130 -
Have you ever realized that as a whole, a lot of us look at things completely backwards from the way we should. What I mean is, we look at what we need to do to better ourselves, figure out how to do it, and then define why we are doing it. Maybe not just with fitness and better health, but with almost everything. What do you want? The newest cell phone. How are you going to do that? sell my old one, save up some money, etc. Why do you want it? Because X,Y,Z!
See what I mean. The same can be said about fitness. What are your fitness goals? To lose weight and be healthy? How are you going to do that? By working out all the time and eating better. Why do you want to do that? To look good, feel good, etc!
Now just imagine if you flipped that around. Would your thought process be the same, or would it be more defining and meaningful? Why do you want to be healthy and fit? to live a longer, more fruitful life with my family. How are you going to accomplish that? By exercising regularly and paying closer attention to what I am eating and fueling my body with. What are you going to use to accomplish this? Nutrition guides, structured fitness programs, and support/accountability groups.
I have been reading a book by Simon Sinek, in which he talks about this and it got me thinking, maybe he is right. Maybe it is just me, but when I focus on the why, then the how, then the what, it seems to make more sense.
What do you think?0 -
Any new comers on here ready or willing to share their "Why"? Anyone's why changed from the last time they shared?0
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My whys:
1. Pure vanity. I went through a break up not too long ago, and visions of running into my ex and watching his jaw drop run through my head as I'm on the treadmill. I think I look pretty good already, and I've never had any issues getting male attention, but I think I could be a real knockout when I get to goal weight. Why not live up to my own potential? I'm also looking to transition into a management role in my career, and I want to be taken seriously in a new position. Unfortunately, I do think outside appearances and first impressions play a significant role in career advancement, and I want to put my best foot forward.
2. My mom. She's struggled with her weight most of her adult life. Now she has diabetes and high blood pressure. She refuses to change her diet or do anything about her health. I'm TERRIFIED of her dying in a few years. I've tried to go on diets together with her and encourage her to work out with me, but to no avail. I guess I'm hoping that if she sees my own success that she'll be inspired to get healthy too. At this point I think she's given up and doesn't really think she can do it. I want to show her it is possible, that anyone can do it, and that she doesn't have to just give up on her life and health because she's too scared to try.0 -
I have a bunch of "why's" that I could list off but nothing really gave me a push until I started my new job. I'm the fat girl. This job makes us do daily exercises and two walks a day. We sponsor marathons and 5k that the employees are expected to participate in. Not to mention that but I work in the Champion Sports division so being the fat chick in the sports division is awkward haha
But here are few other reasons:
- Clothes! Need I say more?
- To fit in a beautiful wedding dress in a couple years
- Being able to cross my legs at my knees!
- Not having the fear the bar won't latch down on the roller coaster
- To feel confident0 -
I weighed the most I ever had, didn't care what I ate or drank because I assumed I would be one of the lucky ones that the disease skipped. I then realized that was a bad mindset, so I changed it. I made the choice to want to eat better, exercise, and prevent the possibility of contracting diabetes and being insulin dependent. I did not want to leave it up to chance.
If so, then what is your WHY?[/quote]
This was my thinking....such ARROGANCE and IGNORANCE on my part!!! I mean what was I thinking????
My why: I want to feel good everyday. Aching feet, back, thighs...getting out of bed was agony. Feeling depressed every day cause I had nothing to look forward to, other than more of the same.
I want to embrace this new chapter in my life with all I have to give it cause it will return huge dividends. I already look young for my age in my face, but my body says nope.....and how many fat old people do you see living...not that many.
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-Improve my health (cholesterol is through the roof)
-Vanity... was so pretty when I was thin
-Sad because I'm too fat to ride one of my ponies
-Can't fit into any of my clothes... I have an entire packed closet full of size XS and 5s.
-Embarrassed for anyone to see me since I gained weight0 -
I joined because I was fat and unhealthy and wanted to lose weight. I did, by eating very little. Then I gained some back.
I started doing CrossFit to lose weight. Somewhere along the way I stopped caring about scale weight. I switched to pure strength sports. Now I only check it to see what category I'm going to be competing in.
Now, my WHY is that MFP allows me to pre-plan my macro intake from day to day. I do that because having my macros on point helps me get the best performance I can get out of my sports. If I start to feel bloated and uncomfortable I lower my carb and sodium intake for a few days. If I'm feeling strong and efficient I keep doing what I'm doing.0 -
1. I want to be healthy and like what I see in the mirror
2. I want to look good naked
3. I want to be sexy for my girlfriend
4. I honestly have just gotten where I love working out and miss it when I don't go
The fact that my gf and I do it together is a huge motivator for both of us. I can't tell you how great it is to have a partner to be and stay healthy with.0 -
Health reasons: Really bad asthma, back problems, worsened skin conditions due to allergies. ><
Psychological: And I want to look good and feel confident, I want to be happy with myself and wear a pretty dress for my college graduation nxt year, and show my family who always doubted me thinking I'll be overweight forever that I have no excuses and can be fit and slim too. ^__^
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For those of you that have shared, have you found it helps motivate you? To know why you are putting forth the effort to live a healthier life style?0
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I know this is the hardest time of the year to reach your health and fitness goals. With the home cooked meals, traveling, treats, and for some, hard and sad times, it is hard to stay focused on yourself and do what it takes to ensure that YOU are taken care of.
Talking with one of my friends earlier, I asked her to focus on her WHY. Why did she decide to make the decision to be healthier. Many of you I asked that a while back.
Sometimes you have to look back at that to see if your WHY still applies, or if it has changed. Then, use that reasoning to fuel yourself to push through the wall and get back on track.
So I challenge you. If you are struggling right now, ask yourself "Why do I want to be healthier?" Really think about this and if you are comfortable enough, share with us please. Have a great day everyone!0 -
My "WHY(s)" are
1. My family also has Diabetes throughout. So I am trying to keep that at bay for as long as I can.
2. I'm tired of being tired all the time.
3. The constant knee, ankle and back pain can sometimes be unbearable.
4. I want to not be so stiff when I stand up that I have to stand in one place a few seconds before I can move.
5. I have almost no self esteem. I want to feel good about myself. I have always been overweight and self conscious.
6. I want to be able to walk into any store, grab a piece of clothing off any rack and know it's going to fit without trying it on and take it home.
7. I don't take medications at this time and I want to keep it that way.
I think that's enough for now. If I think of any more I will cone back and add them here.0 -
My "WHY(s)" are
1. My family also has Diabetes throughout. So I am trying to keep that at bay for as long as I can.
2. I'm tired of being tired all the time.
3. The constant knee, ankle and back pain can sometimes be unbearable.
4. I want to not be so stiff when I stand up that I have to stand in one place a few seconds before I can move.
5. I have almost no self esteem. I want to feel good about myself. I have always been overweight and self conscious.
6. I want to be able to walk into any store, grab a piece of clothing off any rack and know it's going to fit without trying it on and take it home.
7. I don't take medications at this time and I want to keep it that way.
I think that's enough for now. If I think of any more I will cone back and add them here.
Those are all great reasons "WHY!" Thank you for sharing. What do you find is the most difficult for you to achieve your goals? Exercising, eating right, or receiving enough support to keep you going?0 -
Have you ever played the 5 Why's Game? If you have kids, I bet they have.
Do this for a goal you're thinking about striving for.
Ask yourself why.
Then ask yourself why again....
Do this for a total of 5 times and you'll get to the route of why you want to do that. It will open your eyes to the true meanings behind it.
Example.
I want to lose weight. Why?
I want to feel better. Why?
I want to be able to play with my kids like the other fathers do. Why?
Because I hate it when I can't do something with my kids. Why?
Because my kids matter to me. Why?
Because I want to be around for them for a long time, and want them to be a good role model for them.
There you have it. Now you know why you want to lose weight. Now do something each and every day to remind yourself of that why. Take a picture of your kids. You won't give up now when it gets hard.
If you're comfortable enough, post below something that you used this method with, and what you've realized is your "Why" for that goal.
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MikePXstream wrote: »My "WHY(s)" are
1. My family also has Diabetes throughout. So I am trying to keep that at bay for as long as I can.
2. I'm tired of being tired all the time.
3. The constant knee, ankle and back pain can sometimes be unbearable.
4. I want to not be so stiff when I stand up that I have to stand in one place a few seconds before I can move.
5. I have almost no self esteem. I want to feel good about myself. I have always been overweight and self conscious.
6. I want to be able to walk into any store, grab a piece of clothing off any rack and know it's going to fit without trying it on and take it home.
7. I don't take medications at this time and I want to keep it that way.
I think that's enough for now. If I think of any more I will cone back and add them here.
Those are all great reasons "WHY!" Thank you for sharing. What do you find is the most difficult for you to achieve your goals? Exercising, eating right, or receiving enough support to keep you going?
Well, right now I would have to say the food. I eat, I hurt...no matter what I eat. Due to the surMikePXstream wrote: »My "WHY(s)" are
1. My family also has Diabetes throughout. So I am trying to keep that at bay for as long as I can.
2. I'm tired of being tired all the time.
3. The constant knee, ankle and back pain can sometimes be unbearable.
4. I want to not be so stiff when I stand up that I have to stand in one place a few seconds before I can move.
5. I have almost no self esteem. I want to feel good about myself. I have always been overweight and self conscious.
6. I want to be able to walk into any store, grab a piece of clothing off any rack and know it's going to fit without trying it on and take it home.
7. I don't take medications at this time and I want to keep it that way.
I think that's enough for now. If I think of any more I will cone back and add them here.
Those are all great reasons "WHY!" Thank you for sharing. What do you find is the most difficult for you to achieve your goals? Exercising, eating right, or receiving enough support to keep you going?
Well, right now I would have to say the food. I eat, i hurt. Back in October I had surgery (not weightloss surgery) and now, no matter what I eat I hurt. I'm seeing a nutritionist who suggested I see a gastro doctor because I'm still having problems with food and he is concerned that there may be something else to my pain when I eat.
I saw a gastro doctor beforeMikePXstream wrote: »My "WHY(s)" are
1. My family also has Diabetes throughout. So I am trying to keep that at bay for as long as I can.
2. I'm tired of being tired all the time.
3. The constant knee, ankle and back pain can sometimes be unbearable.
4. I want to not be so stiff when I stand up that I have to stand in one place a few seconds before I can move.
5. I have almost no self esteem. I want to feel good about myself. I have always been overweight and self conscious.
6. I want to be able to walk into any store, grab a piece of clothing off any rack and know it's going to fit without trying it on and take it home.
7. I don't take medications at this time and I want to keep it that way.
I think that's enough for now. If I think of any more I will cone back and add them here.
Those are all great reasons "WHY!" Thank you for sharing. What do you find is the most difficult for you to achieve your goals? Exercising, eating right, or receiving enough support to keep you going?
Right now it's definitely the food. I have had a problem with food since July of this year so in October I had surgery (not weightloss surgery) and I am still having issues. Everything I eat, hurts. It just seems to not be getting any better.
I am seeing a nutritionist at work and he suggested seeing a gastro doctor. Now, I saw one back in August I think it was and he did not agree with my doctors findings of my issue. I will not go back to that doctors office because I don't like the way he spoke to and treated me, but I will seek out a different gastro doctor.
I either get it under control or stop eating, one of the two.0 -
paperraven11 wrote: »• I want to feel better
• I want to go on business trips with coworkers and walk to destinations and not be so red & winded they ask if I need to sit down, with deep concern on their face
• I want to throw away my inhaler
• I want to paint my toe nails without having to wedge myself in the corner of the couch just to reach my feet
• I want to buy jeans at a NORMAL store (and not Lane Bryant)
• I want to feel comfortable in my own skin
But mostly, I want to avoid the medical difficulties that my parents and sister are currently trying desperately to combat, including diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and joint deterioration.
Those are great why's! Good luck!0 -
MikePXstream wrote: »Hey everyone,
More often than not, I see the same statement come from a lot of people about their fitness journey. "I started up, but then I quite xx amount of days later." Or, " I made it 2-3 months, but couldn't keep up with it." So I started thinking, what is it that keeps people from continuing on? What was it that kept me going on? I read or listened to a small segment by Darren Hardy called Making the shift, I believe that was it, and he touched on the subject of what is it that drives us to pursue something. The main reason, your WHY has to be strong enough.
Imagine that you are on a high rise building and there is a skinny platform about 30 feet long going from your roof top to the building across the way from you. You are asked to cross to the other side. Chances are, you probably don't want to. Now imagine there is a $10 bill on the other side. You might be more tempted, but is it enough to really make you want to do that? Probably not. Now, imagine your child or loved one is in danger on that other side. I'm willing to bet that you are going to do everything you can to get to that side. What changed? Your WHY changed. Crossing a 30 foot platform just for the thrill of it or $10 wasn't a big enough reason why, but a loved in danger might be.
Now, imagine applying that same mindset to your fitness journey and life style change. Is your WHY big enough? I believe one of the reasons why some people don't make it past that few day or couple month period is that there WHY isn't big enough, so the willingness to stick it out and achieve their goal isn't really there.
My why goes beyond wanting to look good in shorts or have 6 pack abs. Mine is to avoid a hereditary disease and live long enough to see my children's children grow up. My family has a history of diabetes. Both great grandparents, my grandfather, mother, and uncle all have or had diabetes. My uncle was just diagnosed a few years ago, and my mother, god bless her, lost the fight a few months back. A couple of years ago I weighed the most I ever had, didn't care what I ate or drank because I assumed I would be one of the lucky ones that the disease skipped. I then realized that was a bad mindset, so I changed it. I made the choice to want to eat better, exercise, and prevent the possibility of contracting diabetes and being insulin dependent. I did not want to leave it up to chance. Sure, I would exercise a little, go for a run here and there, eat something healthier, but my WHY wasn't defined, Therefore I was inconsistent and not really doing myself any favors. So, I changed my WHY.
I understand that at times, life can get in the way and slow us down. An injury, drastic change in your lifestyle routine, but when it boils down it it, your reason will remain the foundation for your success. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or you have been making a lifestyle change for years. Do you truly know why you are exercising? Do you really know why you have chosen to eat a little cleaner? When you understand why it is important to YOU, you are more likely to succeed and stick with it.
I hope this has you thinking a little bit. If so, then what is your WHY?
I learned about this from a guy named Hyrum Smith. It was a powerful lecture. It was a couple of years ago now so thanks for the reminder.
I'd guess my why's aren't unique...
I want to reverse the hereditary diseases I have.
I don't want to have to worry about if there's a weight limit to something
I want my adventurous spirit to match my appearance
I want to be around for my family and be an active participant in my daughter's life
I want to wear a ridiculous pair of red stilettos
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Oh geez.
My why?
Here's a thing: I've always been physically weaker than other people of my age or build. Now, I'm not looking for gaining big muscles. That's unrealistic anyway since I'm a woman and I'm not into lifting weights since lifting heavy things over time actually only makes my body ache. Doesn't matter if I do things right or not. I wasn't build for manual labour and also not for lifting weights.
So losing some weight, getting healthier, going to fitness (that's circuit training btw) will hopefully help me when I'm older.
Another thing:
I'm suffering from depressions. Those also make my muscles chronically tense. Getting healthier also helps a bit with that.
Also a selfish need:
I want to fit into smaller pants. I'm currently having lots of problems finding pants that fit me, especially with this abominable 'skinny fit' trend currently going on. Last time I looked for pants I actually found some pairs that fit me at the hip but not at the legs. Wth?? Whoever designed this has never seen a real woman. People with a wide hip often also have wide legs. This is terrible.0 -
Yeah, I don't get the skinny fit either. Especially skinny jeans for guys, What is up with that? I don't get it. Thank you for sharing!0
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"Whoever designed this has never seen a real woman."
What makes me laugh is that the 2x and 3x clothes I've been relegated to have super-long arms and legs. As if the clothing industry thought when we gained weight our limbs also got longer! I too would like to go back to buying regular clothes, and not look ridiculous in them.0 -
Why lose weight ? Because everyone tells you to do so and treats you horribly until you do so . As a woman we have lost the right and permission to be imperfect there is a perpetual message about women . a woman can only be happy if she is considered to be perfect ;weight perfect ,body perfect, mothering skills perfect ,marriage perfect , cook perfect, etc and being anything less is bad and unwomanly our bodies change as we age we have lost the permission to have bellies and chins and lines on our necks and faces
This is why i want to lose weight in reality its because i dont have the permission to allow my body to age anymore like my mother and grandmother did i get judged by strangers friends family neighbours random hostile men fellow airplane travellers and any one else in my vicinity who looks at my body and thinks theres a fat female over forty shes probably flatulent and has no self control lets tut at her0 -
Because I'm worth it.
In the past I didn't believe in myself--didn't believe I could accomplish the things I wanted to do, didn't believe I was worthy of those things I wanted.
This time I know that I'm worth it.0 -
OK it's time for my WHYs
I was born and raised in loving family of two wonderful parents and three great sisters whos only hobby was food and TV. I was always fat kid, fat teenager and fat young adoult. I didn't knew that I didn't had to be. That was just the way my family lived and I wasn't observant enough to see that is not the way it has to be. Only when I was 21y.o. I noticed that this can be changed. That sitting all day on my a**, eating and watching movies is not a way I want to spend my life. I never had a boyfriend and whole my life I felt unloved and unatractive. I watched beautiful people in movies and thought that they were born like that and I was not. My body hurt every day and I thought that is just a way it supposed to be. I didn't find any real friends in my childhood because I was spending my whole time at home. I'd really need some right now but my chance for life-long friendship is lost. So my biggest why is I will not miss any more chances ever again!
It took me a lot of time to completly change my way of thinking. Now my whys are:
- I want a flat, atractive belly and thighs (I already lost 51lbs and I'm almost at my target weight; age 26)
- I want to show my obese parents and one sister that it's not a lifestile that they have to live (I'm scared that they will die way sooner than they should)
- I want to be a hot girlfriend to the love of my life, hot mom (if I decide so one day), hot 40, hot 50, hot 60 and so on...
- I want to wear business outfits and look in them like moviestars
- one day I want to wear bikini for the first time in my life (preferably on vacation of my life on some exotic island)
- I want to feel sexy and look sexy
- I want to be an example that body that was overweight from the very beggining can look good and desirable one day
- I want to always be one of the best looking people in the room
and so many more
I didn't thought that there will be so many whys but when I started to write them down I couldn't stop with just one or two.
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Great Amazing Post. It will be very inspiring to lot of us. My first why , i pretended it was for Diabetes but it truly was for physical appearance, I failed after 8 months. My second why was truly for my diabetes and its been a lot easier. I truly feel my new llifestyle is now for life and its really easy to follow my new values0
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My whys:
- To not end up with the health problems that plague my family. Unfortunately I will also learn the hard way that some of it I just can't avoid, it's going to happen anyway. I'm hoping that doesn't spoil my efforts.
- To just feel better. Haven't used my inhaler in a while. I can actually run a good distance without wheezing or feeling like I'm going to die. I actually enjoy running during my lunch break at work (I look back and say to myself "Who would have ever thought I would enjoy running, much less be able to do so?").
- I haven't succeeded in life. Bleh job, never finished college... when I feel like crap because things are hard for me, I try to focus on the fact I have accomplished losing weight... and it works, on occasion, and makes me feel good for a few minutes of a bad day. I hope to improve on that.0 -
All great reasons why. Thank you for sharing. For some of you, a book came to mind that I think you might benefit from. It's called You Are a Bad *kitten*, by Jen Sincero. If you have not read it, I highly recommend it. If you're not the reading type, you can get it through Audible as well. Awaken The Giant Within by Anthony Robbins is another one.
Part of the reason while we struggle with achieving our goals is due to our limiting beliefs. We have told ourselves something negative for so ling, that it has become a reality. I have been able to change a couple of things in my life, but I still have much more to go. Old habits die hard, but by bringing them to the surface, acknowledging them, and re-writing them in my head, I am confident I will concur those limiting beliefs as well. You can too!0 -
I love this topic. My why is that my cardiologist told me to lose weight due to a genetic condition and gave me a ceiling. In 2014 I lost 15 pounds and have maintained my current weight. So aside from health reasons, I really want to avoid the scolding that i'll get if I gain the weight back!0
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