Staying Motivated

This seems to be the hardest thing for most people. They get really excited about losing weight/starting a fitness routine/eating healthier, etc. We really feel like we have the motivation then, and that it will last forever.

Imagine our surprise when 2 weeks later, we find ourselves in the kitchen late at night, eating as if we're going to die tomorrow! There's something so self-sabotaging, and so compelling, about breaking the resolutions that we really know we want to keep.

So how do some manage to stay motivated? Is motivation really the key to sticking with it?

I think we get the definition of motivation so wrong -- it isn't that really warm feeling from 'sticking with it' for 5 days, the hope that we'll look good in a bikini by next month. It's something more deep-seated, the kind of motivation that's always with you, because you REALLY want this healthier life.

Aside from that, what are some ways to stay motivated? Read on.

-Listen to music. Create a playlist for when you exercise, maybe some harder + faster music than you normally listen to, and you'll subconsciously move to the beat. Pick music you love, and you'll look forward to exercising.
-Take some exercise classes. The excitement is contagious and maybe you'll meet some people with like-minded goals, who will motivate you and likewise.
-Create some time for yourself. Stressed eating is pretty common, and in today's high-stress world, you can see where it all leads. Find the time to unwind, and especially what you like best. Whether it's yoga, taking a bath, meditating, reading, listening to music, going to see a movie/museum on your own, or gardening, etc. make sure you do it everyday.
-Make a list (or look over it). Find out what really motivates you, and write it down. Look it over once a week or whenever things are tough, and it will comfort you. Take comfort in yourself, and knowing that you can do it.
-Join an online community. Try self.com or shape.com for the forums. You can get great advice, and bond with others over the tough times. And rejoice over the good times.
-Stop 'dieting'. Live! - If you spend most of your time at home, counting calories eaten or burnt, stop right now. Not only is the obsession eventually going to make you break one night, but you can't avoid life, just because you want to lose weight or become healthier. You need to take your mind off it, enjoy life and friends, and it will all come. If you think about it too much, you're setting yourself up for a possible eating disorder.


And what are some things exercise will do for you?

-You will; be more confident. How does it really feel after running that mile you never thought you could do? Realizing you have the strength to really overcome a lot of things, you never imagined.
-You will look better. So maybe you don't really notice it. Then one day, out of nowhere, you look in the mirror - oh my god, I look so good! My body, my skin, my hair - I'm glowing. At least, that's what you'll say - and the people around you-it does come.
-You will be happier. With consistency, exercise does something amazing. After awhile, you'll notice the difference between that half hour jog, and not having it. There's something about exercising that afterward makes you want to smile, maybe even laugh, with happiness. That light, cool feeling in your chest, along with the rush of endorphins, will make you an exercise addict. In a good way ;)
-You will live longer. Well -- I guess you'll find that out eventually.