What Motivates You?

Wow, I’m full of open-ended questions this month! My thoughts tend to come and go in clusters; hence the focus on running a few weeks ago and the current focus on WHY we do what we do (or why we don’t do things).

So, how are you motivated? If you were to make a list of goals, one goal might be to lose weight. Why do you want to lose weight?

Common answers:

• To be a healthy parent / set a good example
• To live longer
• To win big in the office weight-loss pool
• To become healthier and no longer need diabetes/blood pressure/etc. medicines
• To lose more weight than my friend

Which of these apply to you, and do you notice a theme?

Are You Ready To Change?

A seemingly dramatic, yet telling question: Are you ready to change? Most people will say yes. They're absolutely ready to change and they're willing to give 110%. They want to lose weight and lose it right now and they've got a gym membership, brand new sneakers, they just went grocery shopping for fruits and vegetables and by golly, this time it's for real!

Fast forward 4 weeks and what has changed? Well, the client is more frustrated. That gung-ho attitude they had last month has given way to excuse-itis. They did all of those things but honestly, nothing changed.

Gym membership? It was used 3 times that first week, then relegated to the bottom of the gym bag (which is floating around in the back of their trunk).

This bag is ready to go places

New sneakers? "Well they're in my car so I can go to the gym right after work" says the client. A perfectly reasonable answer, as many of us probably keep out gym gear in the same spot.

Fresh fruits and vegetables? "I did good the first week, but then I didn't have time to go grocery shopping".  Sirens are sounding in my head, because I know this story and I know where it's going: downhill, and fast.

"Then I had to finish a big project at work and had to eat lunch at my desk. I didn't have any food at home so I went to McDonalds". I know where this is going already....

"Then I got home and I was so tired I didn't work out. I didn't have any food to make so I ate ice cream. It's my go-to when I'm stressed".

I can't tell you how many times I've heard this story re-told with various excuses, foods, and seemingly logical variations. Or delusions, if you can see through the facade of excuse-itis. After hearing this story more than 2 weeks in a row I often tell clients this...


you simply aren't ready to change.

Staying Positive Does a Body Good

Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it - Lou Holtz

The Glass is Half Full

Positive Psychology is "the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive" according to Dr. Seligman at the University of Pennsylvania. Positive psychology is much more than just thinking happy thoughts, it's about aligning positive emotions with individual traits and institutions to create a fulfilled, thriving you. I'm particularly interested in how the power of positivity correlates to health and goal setting, as it directly impacts my clients and their success.