Our society is becoming more and more dependant on instant motivation and instant gratification. Our world is moving much faster than it did a generation ago, and we are finding that in order to reach our goals we have to define why it is important for us to do so. It is not uncommon for us to need an immediate reason or cause (such as eliminating illness) in order for us to get motivated to move and work toward our goals. It is no different with weight loss and the eating well and exercising that does with it. Unless we have a reason to be at the gym, we are going to put it off, perhaps indefinitely.
There are a few tricks you can use to find instant motivation in your life, whether it is for losing weight, getting a better job, or changing negative habits. It is first important to remember that not everyone responds to motivational techniques the same way. In order for your motivational cues to be effective, you need to consider what is important to you. For instance, imagining not being at your grandchild’s graduation may get you to stop smoking, but it won’t work for everyone.
Use these useful instant motivation tips to get you started, and tailor them as you see fit.
- Visualize the Goal. This is an important step to staying motivated. It is a good idea to help yourself with visualization by drawing or writing your goal on paper, and then posting it where it will be the most effective to you. For instance, instant motivation to eat less is achieved when you see a picture of a thin, beautiful person (or better yet - yourself at your goal weight!) posted on your fridge or cabinet doors. It also helps to take time to meditate, visualizing in your mind for about 15 minutes what the goal will look like when it is reached.
- Make your Reasons. Besides knowing what your goal is, it is also just as important to know why you want to reach those goals. You may want to lose weight to lower your risk of heart disease, stop smoking to reduce your chances of getting cancer, or go to the gym so you look great for your high school reunion. Your reasons are your instant motivation, and they will keep you on track when you slip up, or worse, feel like quitting.
- Enlist in Help. As with anything, having support is a crucial step to succeeding at reaching your goals. If there is nobody to count on, nobody to hold you accountable, it may be difficult for you to follow through. For instance, knowing your buddy will be at the gym waiting for you is instant motivation to make your workout date. Do not entirely rely on your support, however. It is not healthy to blame your support for your lack of trying.
- Imagine the Consequences. These may be different than your reasons, and should be more serious than “looking fat” or “having cigarette breath.” What in your life would change for the worse if you do not follow through with your goals? The risks of dying of a heart attack when your cholesterol is over 300 should be plenty of instant motivation to get you serious about losing weight and improving your health.
Finding instant motivation to get you moving isn’t is hard as it seems. It also doesn’t have to be painful for you to implement, if you keep it fun and rewarding. Motivational gurus know that keeping motivated is the key to making your dreams come true. It is important to remember that they are within reach, and that you can succeed. A positive attitude and a few simple exercises will go a long way in creating instant motivation for you and your goals.