Everyone needs motivation, whether it’s for weight loss, work, school or just getting out of bed each day. Staying motivated is the hardest part of any goal you wish to accomplish. So what happens when you lack the motivation you need? What do you do to get that motivation back again?
I seem to be lacking motivation for a lot of things recently. First and foremost is my weight loss. Hitting a plateau and not losing any weight for going on 4 months has had a huge negative impact on my motivation to exercise. Thankfully my eating habits are still good and I’m not regressing into binges or eating junk food, but the decline in my workouts hasn’t helped me breakthrough the plateau! It’s surprising how you can know and understand exactly what is happening but it isn’t until your doctor confirms it that you really believe it or start to do something about it.
During my last appointment she confirmed that I had hit a plateau and told me the key to getting through it was exercise. Hearing it from her re-motivated me and I’ve been working out more as a result. The scale isn’t moving yet, but I’m more confident about getting results if I continue than I was before I saw my doctor.
But I’m still struggling with motivation to exercise because I’m not seeing results anymore. You begin to think “What’s the point if nothing’s happening?” and it gets very hard to workout because I just can’t see the results. This line of thinking can take a very nasty turn, especially if, like me, you suffer from depression. I started feeling bad about not working out and also had less energy because I wasn’t doing as much as I was. It’s a very slippery slope towards depression once those feelings start! I started feeling lethargic and completely unmotivated with most things in my life. Before long, you know you need to do something about it, but just can’t be bothered.
I decided I could do something! It was a week before my doctor appointment so I swore I would log everything I ate and all the exercise I did (although, being ill I didn’t do a great deal!). So when I saw her and she confirmed I was fighting a plateau we looked at my food. Food wasn’t the problem; I was doing very well on that front. I had worries I was eating too little, thankfully she confirmed I was doing very well eating. As I was ill, she advised me to write off that week and start fresh at the weekend. Exercise is the key! Cardio especially, to burn calories. I’ve been a bit slow getting back into it, but this week I’m finally doing something every day.
My next appointment is in 2 weeks and I’m hoping to have lost something by then. Although I’m not seeing a loss yet, I am definitely beginning to feel better about myself. There are other areas of my life that need some attention and work, but as I become more confident I’m not going to let fear close the door before I even knock on it. Some opportunities you have to take because you may not get a second chance.
I’m learning to apply this to every aspect of my life, even weight loss! I have the opportunity every single day to be healthy and active. If I don’t take it that’s a day added to my journey! If not wanting this journey to last longer than necessary isn’t motivation, I’m not sure what is!