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Motivation Articles  ›  Staying Motivated

9 Hidden Reasons to Stay Motivated

Ways to Rediscover Your Drive

-- By Zach Van Hart, Staff Writer
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7. The ‘wow’ effect

Picture this: Walking into a restaurant, you run into someone from high school, and their eyes light up. They gasp, "Wow, you look great!" By sticking with your goals, this can happen. Watch the "wows" add up.

8. Spread the spark

When friends and family see how hard you’re working, they’ll wonder how they can reach their own goals. Guess who they’re going to look to for help? By staying motivated, you’ll not only help yourself, but others too.

9. Keep gaining experience

The more you do, the more you will learn and understand. You’ll discover which tactics work best for you and which ones don’t. It’s like weeding out the garden - not the most enjoyable job in the world, but when you’re done, all that’s left are beautiful flowers. Keeping sticking with it and soon it will be all flowers for you.

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About The Author

Zach Van Hart Zach Van Hart
Zach is a journalist who regularly covers health and exercise topics.

Member Comments

  • PRETTYGIRL381
    I needed to read this... It was helpful for me. - 5/4/2013 11:11:05 PM
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  • CABOBEAN
    Hi Zach,
    I recently wrote an article about motivation:
    http://startdoi
    ngbusiness.co
    m/staying-mot
    ivated-levera
    ging-successes/

    I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on it. - 3/22/2013 4:31:37 PM
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  • LISSASLOSINIT
    this was a fantastic post. I've officially made tomorrow my "get back on track" day since my holiday season is over (don't ever do much on New Years, so no worries there) and I've been really slacking lately. I feel empowered and positive and this article helped solidify WHY I want to get back on track and succeed this time- I want the Wow's, the little dresses, and the confidence, and I want to help motivate others the way others have done for me! - 12/25/2012 6:28:29 PM
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  • HUNGRYWOMAN2
    Great reminders. For me, it appears my motivation changes in nature from time to time.
    Currently, it seems my vanity is winning. I want my clothes to fit correctly and to look good in them. This helps me to feel better in my own skin, which I realize is actually reverse thinking. - 12/25/2012 3:48:49 PM
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  • MOMGETSSPARK
    Thank you for this lovely post. I teach children with autism and behavior issues and we sometimes just do somehting really simple for 2 weeks to try to change a behavior that much closer to our goal. - 12/25/2012 11:54:13 AM
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  • CHARMIAN2
    These are great tips-thank you. Just what I needed to stay motivated thru this holiday season. - 12/25/2012 7:10:00 AM
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  • CHRISTINASP
    A dress that I've not been able to wear for two years? Come on... - 12/25/2012 6:37:40 AM
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  • FAITH4FITLIFE
    Thanks Zach!
    I needed the motivation reminders! I think I will post them on my wall! :) - 8/2/2012 12:14:57 PM
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  • KAYTEETOO
    I really like the weeding analogy, 'when it's done, all that's left are beautiful flowers' - 7/27/2012 8:24:07 AM
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  • BLUEFAIRYTALE
    My favorite is the "Wow effect." Just to hear those magic words "did you lose weight?" You look great" really spark a fire on the inside and inspire you to keep going, knowing that you are slowly changing and reaching your goals. - 7/8/2012 4:16:14 PM
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  • PIXIESTIX6669
    After a while, the motivation morphs into Just Do It...the eating right, exercising and taking care of yourself becomes second nature, like breathing...it's a part of you and the way you ARE...I'm sure everyone reaches this point at different times...but have patience, you'll get there...never give up! - 12/9/2011 11:11:05 AM
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  • JEDWARDS11
    This came at the right time for me...
    I am struggling to find the motivation to get going, as I cant find THE reason, THE goal to ignite my motivation..
    So, I am going to write these on my whiteboard, and other tips and ideas as I find them...
    - 11/10/2011 4:46:59 PM
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  • ENCHANTEDBROOM
    Great article, Zach. Just the extra gentle push I need. Keep these articles coming!!!! - 10/11/2011 10:04:35 AM
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  • PRESBESS
    Good article Zach. You are helping soooo many people. - 8/24/2011 1:22:50 PM
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  • ALICOTTER
    Why is it so hard for Spark authors to write a general article about something about motivation and keep it genral. I am sure your male readers do not need to get motivate to ""get into the dress." Nor do the single people do it for the kids. The singlism and gender bisa on this site is terrible. everything about weight loss seems to be connected to being female and having a family. - 8/21/2011 10:16:52 AM
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