Lack of Motivation

TavistockToad wrote: »

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/818701/the-myth-of-motivation-and-what-you-need-instead/p1

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/40735688#Comment_40735688

TavistockToad ... Thank You!! read both. I'm really struggling with exercise. I have always struggled with it. Don't like it, don't do it. I KNOW I have to do it in order to succeed and this time, I really really want to succeed. But still, major struggle getting off the ground with exercise.
As I said, I read both. Not much I didn't already know BUT ... one phrase significantly caught my attention. I'm going to make it my catchphrase and keep repeating it as needed ...
FIRST, you have to start!

For some reason, that resonates with me. Thank you.

Cesse, what do you think of as exercise? Part of the problem may be you are trying to do something that just isn't "you". There are so many forms of exercise out there that maybe if you change up your methods you will find something you don't hate and can consistently add into your day.

-My parents run, dad has started running half marathons in his 50s! I think he is crazy, but that is what he enjoys.
-My hubby sits on a stationary bike and pedals for hours on end. I tried that and HATED it, could always find excuses not to do it each day. Was not successful while attempting this.
-I found my success in exercise videos, and do a variety of routines to make sure i'm hitting each area of my body at least once a week.

What motivated me was my clothes starting to get tight and knowing I don't have the money (nor the inclination) to buy larger ones. After that, it's sheer determination.

I tried coming back here 2 times before....and failed both times. I wasn't ready. This time, I am. You just KNOW when its right.

Like others said find an exercise you enjoy so you'll want to do it. Maybe switch up your workout times where you'll be less tired. I find that I am more likely to workout if I plan to do it in the morning. I have to really push myself to do it after work.

sandracornejo wrote: »

Where do you find your motivation? I feel like I have been restarting since April and can’t seem to stick with it. I’m always too tired to workout, eat great during the week and spiral on the weekends. How can I change my mindset?

I don't have much motivation. I had to make changes to my lifestyle for health reasons, and it was very hard at first, especially when I tried to restrict what I was eating. That didn't work. I take it day by day, and having more energy, a stabilised mood, and steady weight loss are all positives I want to keep. That doesn't mean I don't binge sometimes or eat optimally all the time. I don't know if you're restricting foods or have this idea of 'cheating' when you reach for less nutritious foods at the weekend. As long as you don't go over your calories you can eat what you want.

You don't have to exercise, but if you do, find some activity you enjoy doing. Walking, dancing, swimming, boxercise, doing cartwheels in the park, playing softball, heck, even kiss chase, it doesn't matter as long as you find it enjoyable, and it might spur you to do exercises with a bit more structure a bit later down the line.

Try to keep this experience as stressless as possible. If you want to have more structure with food at weekends, try prelogging your favorites so you can indulge within your calorie totals. Try and make this a fun process. Have a disco in your living room, and enjoy what you're eating.