I'm not motivated anymore!
Feeling "unmotivated” is very common. But what does it mean? Has your desire to look a certain way or feel a certain way simply evaporated? While you slept, did your ‘motivation' center in the brain simply stop working all together? No. What has happened is that your previous ability to have a clear vision of what you wanted to achieve now is no longer clear.
What can you do to turn this around?
1. Most importantly, start keeping a daily journal of how much you want to weigh and how much exercise you want to get done. Write down what you need to do to accomplish these. For example, write down that you want to lose 10 pounds in one month. Next write down daily what you should eat and what portions of food you will allow yourself. Focus on the positive – what you should eat rather than what you shouldn't. Don't put off your goal. Don't think you can play ‘catch-up' 2 weeks from now when you hope to be "magically” motivated. Don't procrastinate, start toward your goal immediately. Don't give up. Each day put what you have accomplished down in your journal. You must have a "Why” before finding a "Way.”
2. If something in your life has deflected you from your goal, narrow your focus. What small things can you do? If 30 minutes of exercise seems impossible, aim for 10. Maybe instead of worrying about food, you can commit to increasing the intensity of your exercise. You are always the one in control of the portions you eat, even when you're served something you can't control.
3. Read an uplifting, motivating magazine. Magazines like Shape, Muscle Media, Energy Magazine, Walking or Runner's World sometimes have articles about people who have overcome great odds and achieved exactly what you yourself may want to achieve.
4. Change your mindset. Avoid saying "it doesn't work” or "it never works for me.” It's better to force an attitude of "I'll find a way,” even if you don't feel confident about that really happening. Somehow the mind begins to listen to positive thoughts. You truly can trick your own mind into believing in possibilities, not failures.
5. NEVER GIVE UP. Be your own biggest fan and keep on trying!
You can do it.
Dr. Doug