Having trouble with motivation!

stephaniecarin
stephaniecarin Posts: 1 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey, all! This is my first post on MFP. Long time user, long time lurker. I was just wondering how everybody stays so motivated! I've been on and off with diet and exercise for over a year now, and it's becoming more stressful and miserable than challenging and fun. Can anybody tell me what keeps them on track? I'd be really grateful! Thanks!

Replies

  • mcarter99
    mcarter99 Posts: 1,666 Member
    Hi Stephanie- My Fitbit keeps me motivated, to some extent. A cheap pedometer could do the same, or any numeric goal like beating your time on a 2-mile jog or something.

    I also get motivated by success. It takes a lot of patience to keep doing what you're supposed to be doing day after day but knowing the pounds WILL come off and I will get back in my smaller clothes helps. I try to focus on the little plusses along the way, too. Like how I can finally again cross my legs comfortably under my desk. Silly but it helps.

    They say that you make new habits by being motivated by intrinsic rewards, like enjoying how you feel and look when you eat right, enjoying the endorphins or sense of accomplishment from that workout, etc.

    Hope this helps a little!
  • lilpoindexter
    lilpoindexter Posts: 1,123 Member
    I am motivated by lots of things:
    My butt fits completely in my Mazda Miata's seat for the first time in years
    I love the thought that I will have to buy new clothes
    I like that I get less tired when I have to do any sort of physical activity
    I love biking local trails just for fun and calorie burning
    I hated being uncomfortable with my huge belly in the way of the steering wheel
    I like being slimmer than my co-workers, and I like that I can resist all the cookies, cupcakes, candy and other crap they bring to work.
  • EternalJourney
    EternalJourney Posts: 138 Member
    I tell myself everyday that I will never get that body I want if I don't work hard for it. I have to want it to get it!
  • ladyace2078
    ladyace2078 Posts: 460 Member
    When I first started exercising I told myself that I only had to do 10 minutes and if after that 10 minutes I still really wanted to leave, I allowed myself to do so guilt free. I have never left after 10 minutes of exercise because I was already there working hard, so I might as well finish. I have cut my workouts short to 30 or 45 min though. That mindset as allowed me to make exercise a habit. (I also had to give up TV in order to fit in exercise.)
  • rachael52
    rachael52 Posts: 85 Member
    I'm quite new to MFP and I have the app on my ipod touch. So far, I'm doing really well at keeping motivated because 1) I'm treating it like a game as the calories count down; and 2) I have quite a few clothes I really miss wearing and am determined to get back into. I think it'll help my romantic part of my life, too, if I can drop five or so pounds. I get remotivated when I step on the scale once a week and see I lost a few ounces. Slow and sure....

    Frankly, this message board seems to help a lot. Good luck!
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