In a Slump? Get Motivated!

We know we need to take care of our health. We know we would benefit from starting an exercise program, or eating more vegetables. So why don’t we do it? Behavioral health experts have found three reasons we lose motivation: Lack of confidence Lack of focus Lack of direction

Lack of confidence happens when we focus on what we want instead of what we HAVE. When we only think about what we want, our mind creates explanations for why we aren’t getting it. This creates negative thoughts: past failures & bad experiences dominate our mind. At this stage we start making excuses for why we can’t succeed and we lose confidence. We take our strengths for granted and dwell on our failures and shortcomings.

How to Boost your Confidence Focus on GRATITUDE. Set aside time to reflect on everything positive in your life. Make a list of your strengths, current advantages and past successes. The best way to bring success to yourself is to genuinely desire to create value for the rest of the world.

Lack of focus happens when we focus on what we don’t want rather than on a concrete goal. Thinking about what we don’t want goes like this: “I’m afraid of getting diabetes”; “I’m afraid I’m gaining too much weight”; “I don’t want to be out-of-shape”. What we don’t want = What we fear But fear is not actionable, it’s not concrete. Fear feeds on itself and drains our motivation.

How to Develop Tangible Focus Focus your energy on a well-defined goal. Afraid of being unhealthy? Create a plan to improve your health. The key is to move from an intangible (fear) to concrete, measurable steps. Focus your mind on a positive goal and put your brain to work for you.

Lack of direction comes from lack of an obvious next action Without a day-to-day strategy we succumb to procrastination An example of this is a person who wants to improve their health but spends more time reading about health than walking.

Developing Direction Identify the activities that lead to success; make a list and arrange them based on results. Make an action plan that focuses on the activities that lead to big returns. Create a plan that contains two positive actions, the first one should be small. Immediately do the smaller task, this creates positive momentum.

Other Strategies for Success Choose one goal - more achievable and less demanding Post it - on your wall, mirror, at work. Keep reminding yourself. Commit Publicly - tell family, friends, co-workers. Give them progress reports every week. Realize there’s an Ebb and Flow - motivation is not a constant state. Don’t feel defeated of you’re not gung-ho once in a while. That’s human! Start Small - commit to small improvements for one week and then add one more thing. Take baby steps and build on your successes. Squash Negative Thoughts - monitor your thinking, recognize negative self-talk.

Partner with Active Adults We can help you create a fitness and nutrition plan that’s both successful and sustainable. Call Suzanne Hagle (520) and make an appointment