I just can't get myself motivated to...(lose weight,test my blood sugar, etc.) And we hear an equal number of sighs from diabetes educators who can't get their patients motivated to do the right things for their diabetes and health.
We have news for you. motivation is not going to strike you like lightening. And motivation is not something that someone else-nurse, doctor, family member can bestow or force on you. The whole idea of motivation is a trap. Forget motivation. Just do it. Exercise, lose weight, test your blood sugar, or whatever. Do it without motivation and then guess what. After you start doing the thing, that's when the motivation comes and makes it easy for you to keep on doing it.
Motivation is like love and happiness. It's a by-product. When you're actively engaged in doing something, it sneaks up and zaps you when you least expect it.
As Harvard psychologist Jerome Bruner says, "You're more likely to act yourself into feeling than feel yourself into action." So act! Whatever it is you know you should do, DO IT.
excerpt from one of the books by John Maxwell that I recommend on my SPhomepage
KE7CWM 5/22/06 5:31 P
Consistency, stick to your daily and weekly calorie and exercise goals and all it takes is time. All your health goals will not be met by tomorrow, so dont expect it. Patience and perseverance pay the bills.
Jeff
HEYWORTH83 5/22/06 4:28 P
My weight loss started off quickly and has been continuing steadily (between 2-7LBS most weeks, depending on my exercise etc)
I try to increase my aerobic exercise every day, just by a bit, and try not to get stuck into an easy routine - always have a challenge.
My weight loss alone is all the motivation I need, although I want to lose weight for the summer, for the sake of looking better!
Also in terms of food, I always ask myself the question 'how much good is this going to do me?' before I eat - if the answer is 'not much' i choose something else or eat less of it.
BROWNIE47 5/22/06 4:14 P
tell me your secrets to losing and staying motivated!
