What Motivates You?

Motivation is the process that initiates, guides and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. Motivation is what causes us to act, whether it is getting a glass of water to reduce thirst or reading a book to gain knowledge.

Different types of motivation are described as being either extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic motivations are those that arise from outside of the individual and often involve rewards such as trophies, money, social recognition or praise. Intrinsic motivation reflects the desire to do something because it is enjoyable. If we are intrinsically motivated, we would not be worried about external rewards such as praise or awards. If we are intrinsically motivated, the enjoyment we experience would be sufficient for us to want to perform the activity in the future.

What motivates you to exercise, eat healthy, and overall become a healthier individual?

Vanity, clothing size, medication reduction/elimination, feeling better, more energy, sleeping better, being around for your children, grandchildren, to run a marathon, a high school reunion, wedding, vacation, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke or cancer. 

What demotivates you from doing those things?

Lack of education in the area of health/fitness, lack of resources, finances, no time, no support, “just not interested”, no reward, work, family, school gets in the way, stress weighing you down, depression, or boredom. All these one liners are justifications we have all used at some point to put off making a change. 

What if you had a personal chef, personal trainer, or a financial reward waiting for you if you committed to changing your lifestyle? What if you actually behaved as though those amenities or rewards were yours for the taking? Instead of relying on excuses stemming from a ‘lack’ of these resources – what if you behaved as though it were a foregone conclusion that there are hefty rewards along your journey?

What would you do to ensure your accomplishments and success?

Our health is our own responsibility and each and every one of us has to take accountability for it.  No one else can do it for you or force you into a lifestyle change; it has to be a choice that you make and commit to. 

Research shows medical spending averages $1,400 more a year for an obese person than for someone who is at a healthy body weight. 

• 87% of Americans believe diet is essential to good health
• 76% of consumers say they have healthy eating habits
• One study found that more than 75% of obese Americans say they have healthy eating habits
• Only 12% estimate calories accurately

So, NOW, what motivates you to improve your health? A healthy lifestyle consists of proper nutrition and physical activity, period. Learning to manage your weight is the single most important thing you can do for your body, the only place you have to live! Only 2 percent of Americans are getting the recommended amounts of physical activity. What would it take for you to be (and stay) in the 2 percent?