By: Ashley Mitchell
Lift Your Way to Fit

For most individuals, going to the gym is a form of torture versus salvation. I’ve heard every unimaginable excuse and statement from “I loathe cardio more than my second wife” to “No, I can’t do that machine today because I just got a Keratin Treatment.” My first thought is always “Why are you here then?!??!” Then, I have to remind myself that at least they’re being active versus lounging on their couch. And wait a second, I used to be one of those people that justified hovering over a public toilet seat as a modified squat. You may be asking yourself: “Is it normal to possess these thoughts and feel this way?” Absolutely. And yes, it happens more often than not and with certain people more often than others. However, it’s unquestionable that sometimes we all need more of that four syllable yet loaded word: MOTIVATION!

Motivation. . .what is it and how do you get it? Unfortunately, motivation can’t be taught because it must come from within. Fortunately, the upward spiral for motivation is oftentimes triggered by your environment and others. It is that slight yet significant thought pattern alteration that escalates motivation and eventually becomes an effortless part of your daily existence. It comes from thinking of obstacles as challenges versus hindrances and changing your negative thoughts into neutral and/or positive ones. Regardless, start small, so you can truly have an inner to outer transformation. So, the question remains:  “How do you inspire the uninspired?” Answer Number One: The Reward System.

The reward system is an effective way to refuel your motivation when it’s lacking gas but you must use this system only when a “Breakthrough” occurs. This is tricky because you will inevitably find reasons to reward yourself when it’s not merited. Therefore, it’s vital that you are as specific as possible over what constitutes a breakthrough and a reward. Note: A breakthrough for one person will be entirely different for someone else, so be realistic with yourself. Once you’ve done so, you are ready for Step Number Two: Tell a friend about your plans. By telling someone else about your aspirations, you will hold yourself more accountable for your actions. This method guarantees a higher success rate, so tell your friend who is willing to check-in with you on a weekly basis. With that being said, you are now ready for Step Number Three: Type out a contract with your specific goals and criteria and sign it!

Keep in mind that when you reward yourself, you are not only rewarding yourself with food related options. You don’t want to create an unhealthy obsession with food, and you don’t want to treat yourself like your new Chihuahua, Rex. Therefore, find other ways to reward yourself. If you are financially limited, throw in other options that do not necessarily require money, like going to the park or pet store. Find something, anything, but regardless, no excuses! Once you get started, your thinking patterns will transform from an external locus of control where your environment is responsible for what happens to you and blossom into an internal locus of control, where you are in charge of your own destiny.

Change is possible but it begins from within, fuel your motivation, and you are on your way to success and lasting change. Be the director of your movie and remember that “Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine” (Emerson).