While giving a talk recently I was asked, what had motivated me to do what I did. My response was, “A very interesting question, but before I answer that, may I ask what motivates you?” I got all sorts of answers including: music, quotes, family and friends. When I stated, “Those are all great answers, but what if I said to you that they were just a part of the motivational process, but that they could not possibly be what motivates you?” I got a lot of bewildered looks.
You can listen to all the music you want to and you can read all the inspirational quotes out there, or you can have all your friends and family on your side, or, against you, but you see until YOU want to do it, whatever it may be, you will not be motivated to do anything. The only thing that can motivate you is, YOU.
What I did was completely change my lifestyle. This included a 116 pound weight loss, a healthy eating program, “not a diet” program, an exercise regimen that included weight training, as well as cardio and a complete change in mindset. In the end, it was my decision, my want and my motivation that allowed me to stay on track. No amount of reading, listening or encouragement, or ridicule, from others would motivate me. It was me that needed to motivate me.
Along the way there were: frustrations, setbacks, pain, injuries, doubt and a desire to quit on more than one occasion. There were also: triumphs, new thresholds, relief and accomplishments; the biggest being that I am no longer a Type II diabetic and also including the fact that I have gained 10 years back in my life and am now as active as I was in my 20s; which was a very long time ago.
Yes, I did read a lot of motivational quotes and still do. I do listen to music, because as I say to some: “It’s my drug.” Except for country which I still think of as that “bad trip.” Thank you Apple for inventing the first iPod. Music helps while working out on my own as a way to keep me inspired to continue. Comments from friends, family, colleagues, past and present, as well as long-time customers were also inspiring. Note I said “inspiring,” not “motivational.” Therefore, all of the answers given may have inspired you to do something, but it did not motivate you to do it.
Some of the bewildered looks subsided, but there was still a lot of scepticism and I was asked, “But there had to be something that got you going in the right track?” I stated, “Well of course there was, and that was in hiring a professional personal trainer, and yes, there is a big difference like in all walks of life between a professional and just a personal trainer.” What the trainer provided was the direction, the program, the inspiration to work, among other things, but she did not do the work for me. That was my responsibility in our relationship. I had to do the squats, rows, push-ups, follow the eating plan and do the cardio. She provided the plan of attack, but only I could put it into effect. I was very fortunate to have a pro that knew the right buttons to push, the right questions to ask, the right amount of empathy and encouragement to give, as well as the right amount of ridicule to instill in me the want to continue to reach my full potential. So in other words, she was and provided the inspiration that I needed to stay motivated and not to give up on my ultimate goal.
Goals are set to be achieved, but there is nothing in the rule book that states that they must be accomplished alone and without help. Therefore, the above accomplishments were achieved because of the unique partnership between trainer and trainee. A union that still exists to this day, as there is a lot more work to be done. In conclusion, as long as I find the inspiration from all the various sources at my disposal to stay motivated, which will then enable me to take the appropriate steps, then the goals that I have set for myself will be a foregone conclusion.
The looks of bewilderment were replaced by looks of belief.
By the way, if you want the same level of inspiration, dedication and professionalism in your health and fitness goals, her name is Teri Holland and she can found at www.fitquesttraining.com. Like myself, you will not be disappointed and you will be inspired.
You can listen to all the music you want to and you can read all the inspirational quotes out there, or you can have all your friends and family on your side, or, against you, but you see until YOU want to do it, whatever it may be, you will not be motivated to do anything. The only thing that can motivate you is, YOU.
What I did was completely change my lifestyle. This included a 116 pound weight loss, a healthy eating program, “not a diet” program, an exercise regimen that included weight training, as well as cardio and a complete change in mindset. In the end, it was my decision, my want and my motivation that allowed me to stay on track. No amount of reading, listening or encouragement, or ridicule, from others would motivate me. It was me that needed to motivate me.
Along the way there were: frustrations, setbacks, pain, injuries, doubt and a desire to quit on more than one occasion. There were also: triumphs, new thresholds, relief and accomplishments; the biggest being that I am no longer a Type II diabetic and also including the fact that I have gained 10 years back in my life and am now as active as I was in my 20s; which was a very long time ago.
Yes, I did read a lot of motivational quotes and still do. I do listen to music, because as I say to some: “It’s my drug.” Except for country which I still think of as that “bad trip.” Thank you Apple for inventing the first iPod. Music helps while working out on my own as a way to keep me inspired to continue. Comments from friends, family, colleagues, past and present, as well as long-time customers were also inspiring. Note I said “inspiring,” not “motivational.” Therefore, all of the answers given may have inspired you to do something, but it did not motivate you to do it.
Some of the bewildered looks subsided, but there was still a lot of scepticism and I was asked, “But there had to be something that got you going in the right track?” I stated, “Well of course there was, and that was in hiring a professional personal trainer, and yes, there is a big difference like in all walks of life between a professional and just a personal trainer.” What the trainer provided was the direction, the program, the inspiration to work, among other things, but she did not do the work for me. That was my responsibility in our relationship. I had to do the squats, rows, push-ups, follow the eating plan and do the cardio. She provided the plan of attack, but only I could put it into effect. I was very fortunate to have a pro that knew the right buttons to push, the right questions to ask, the right amount of empathy and encouragement to give, as well as the right amount of ridicule to instill in me the want to continue to reach my full potential. So in other words, she was and provided the inspiration that I needed to stay motivated and not to give up on my ultimate goal.
Goals are set to be achieved, but there is nothing in the rule book that states that they must be accomplished alone and without help. Therefore, the above accomplishments were achieved because of the unique partnership between trainer and trainee. A union that still exists to this day, as there is a lot more work to be done. In conclusion, as long as I find the inspiration from all the various sources at my disposal to stay motivated, which will then enable me to take the appropriate steps, then the goals that I have set for myself will be a foregone conclusion.
The looks of bewilderment were replaced by looks of belief.
By the way, if you want the same level of inspiration, dedication and professionalism in your health and fitness goals, her name is Teri Holland and she can found at www.fitquesttraining.com. Like myself, you will not be disappointed and you will be inspired.