So, you've made a real, sincere effort to get healthy and lose weight. You've been seeing your doctor religiously. You really want to kick that extra fat pack off your back and start living a more active life. And all that's worked up to now is one hurdle - motivation. For most people, this will be their first major hurdle to overcome when it comes to motivation to lose weight. This is not surprising, though, as few people realize how important motivation can be to a successful weight loss journey.
The best way to get the motivation to lose weight fast is to understand where to search. Simply put, there are actually two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from within you, from a deep source that is long-term and indestructible. Intrinsic motivation comes straight from the heart (and brain). Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, comes from a source far outside of you, usually from a commercial, advertising, or marketing source. Extrinsic motivation usually takes less time than intrinsic motivation and is therefore easier for the average person to attain.
Most people are familiar with both types of motivation. Intrinsic motivation typically comes from inside us. When we are motivated, we take immediate action. We make a decision that aligns with our values and goals. Those who are motivated are usually persistent, determined, and focused, so that they see their weight loss journey through to the end.
However, what about extrinsic motivation? extrinsic motivation often comes from a more-must-be-better mindset. This mindset often times comes from external sources like food commercials, television advertisements, or even the advertisements we see in the doctor's office. This type of motivation often times comes from a person's need to fit into a particular "type" of the body. People who have this type of mindset will often times see dieting as their path to more-than-perfect health.
For those who do not have the "mood" for dieting, the extrinsic motivation can be much more challenging. This type of motivation can come from being frustrated with the slow progress of losing weight or not seeing the drastic changes they have seen in others. When this happens, those with this type of extrinsic motivation will often times get started on a crash diet or extreme workout plan to get them through the tough moments.
No matter how you personalize your diet and lifestyle changes, it will take some effort on your part to get started. The best advice anyone can give you is to stay the course in spite of setbacks and challenges. Motivation doesn't magically appear out of thin air. You will have to constantly remind yourself of the goals you have set for yourself. Make a conscious decision to maintain your new healthy habits, even if it takes a little more work than anticipated. If you are willing to follow your plans, you will reap the benefits of your weight loss journey.
Those who feel like they don't have the right mindset for exercising and dieting will find motivation in other places. Consider looking to friends and family for moral support. Often times when a person who lacks motivation to lose weight understands that there are people close to them who will back them up, they will be more motivated to continue their own exercise and diet programs.
Those with a positive attitude and motivation will also find solace in another area: exercise. When you exercise regularly, you will feel better about yourself and the scale will begin to tip towards the right side. If you have been thinking of dieting but feel like it is going to put you out of commission for another month or two, exercise will help you push through that hesitation. When you exercise, you will get into better shape and feel like your efforts are really paying off. You will find that motivation to lose weight really works!
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