How do I stay motivated?

Question

I'm the perfect size for my height and body type. I'm smaller then most of my friends and don't really have MUCH to complain about. I've been working out simply trying to tone different parts of my body. If I have a "skinny" day I don't work out and eat bad and then feel awful the next day and feel that working out is never going to work. It feels like different times of the month cause this reaction. I really do want to change the way look but I can't because I keep doing this. Why am I doing this cycle? How do I stop it?

Answer 1

The best way to stay motivated is to set yourself goals that you can reach. Each time you reach a goal you'll be excited, then you set a new goal. As long as you have something you are striving for then it keeps you going.

Answer 2

I have the same problem. A couple things that have really helped me:

1. Subscribe to SELF magazine. They have great articles and workout sections each month and it always gets me going again if I've been slacking off.

2. DON'T eat for three hours before you go to bed. This was really hard for me, but you wake up feeling so refreshed and energized. It really inspires you to have a "good day".

3. DON'T set goals for yourself you know you can't achieve. You'll just be setting yourself up for failure.

4. DO keep healthy, taste-good options around you. Otherwise, if you are like me, you'll be reaching for the Doritos!

Is there something coming up in your life that you would like to look good for, use that as a motivation tool. For me, it's a cruise in September (Bikinis are a good motivation!!)

Good luck! Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Imagine your body after all that hard work. Imagine what people would say. Just remember it would be all worth it at the end!!! Always think before you put anything in your mouth but DONT starve yourself! Eat the right foods

Answer 4

Well, not eating for a day is really bad! So maybe you should keep trying with the exercise idea, that's what I do! I play tons of sports and dance and stuff like that!

Answer 5

You have asked a question about something that plagues many millions of people. Motivation. At work, at health, at life....Let's focus on your question about staying motivated for fitness reasons. This is an excellent goal because the benefits of fitness are well documented and are real. This is a topic that books have been written on...of course the technique varies as far as which one will work for YOU. I can give you some general guidelines though. Motivation is in your mind. We are all born to be able to be fit and athletic. It seems only humans are able to allow themselves to disregard this natural state and become weak. This is not necessarily bad, because some people choose to focus their energy elsewhere.

What is the goal for motivating yourself? A trimmer, fitter self is the manifestation you seek. Get your energy in tune with your desire. Your energy must come in to harmony with that desire.

So how does one do this? Well, how is your energy controlled? By your thoughts and corresponding actions.

If your mind says I will work out tomorrow because today I am not felling like working out. Then that thought controls your energy and puts you in a lower energy state. An energy state that does not include working out. Your mind can be helped towards higher energy thoughts by using outside aids. You may need this aid because whatever is in your mind now is blocking the flow of positive energy which would help you to motivate yourself. Do not be alarmed. This is normal. But if you truly want to tap in to a positive energy source that will open many, many new doors for you and bring you in to tune with the energetic, happy person that you were meant to be, you may need a little help.

1. Read inspirational literature. Eastern religion is filled with it.
2. Raise your spiritual awareness. See 1.
3. Think positive thoughts about yourself and others around you.
4. Set realistic goals for your fitness. Start small and build up from there. Take baby steps. Do not over exercises as this will create a physical problem possibly.
5. Don't beat yourself up if you miss a work out or two. It happens. One work out or two is not going to change you at all. Months and years of inactivity will. Make fitness a lifestyle choice.
6. Seek activities that are like exercise, but engage your mind differently. Like a hike in the woods, mountain climbing, a bike ride, or jump rope one day. The next day take a walk around your neighborhood. People who exercise the same way every day only work out the same muscles over and over. Those muscles may get very efficient, but the overall effect is lessened with increased efficiency.
7. Keep a diary of what you do, for how long, and on what days so you can track your progress.
8. Draw pictures of yourself exercising and feeling positive. This helps your mind to engage energy sources that will benefit you.
9.If your goal is a fit, toned body. Find a picture of a woman you admire and put her picture on your mirror. Maybe Angelina Jolie? Reflect upon the fact that Angelina is just like you! She has put the work in to look like she does. You can do this!

This process of "stopping the cycle" is a difficult thing that I personally have done half a dozen times. It is getting easier, and also harder as I get older. Easier because of the Internet and the popularity of exercising and fitness has inspired people to publish information and literature about improving oneself. Harder because as I get older I return to old habits more readily.
10. The "cycle" may continue throughout your life. Recognize the signs and learn to accept it and work through it. Life changes happen all the time. You get married. You start a new job. You graduate high school. Whatever. If you make fitness one of your core values, you can use it as a life stabilizer. In other words, maybe you have a bad day at work and your boyfriend breaks up with you. You will have your fitness discipline to free your mind of these potentially upsetting thoughts. You will be able to use your discipline to return yourself to your point of positive thought and energy.
11. Not to be unmentioned is the use of meditation to unlock positive energy. Some people use meditation their entire lives with great success.
12. Change your eating habits permanently. Eat a salad with every meal. Salad has very few calories (avoid dressings that are heavy in bad oils) and "Life begets Life".

The life that is held in plants helps your body to be more alive and energetic. Avoid energy blocking foods like processed food of any type. If it is man-made, it is not that good for you. You can survive on man-made, but you will never be as nature intended you to be.

I see I have rambled on a bit so I will end this here. Good luck.

Enter...out.

Answer 6

u dont want to starv yur self but u should like get into an activity after skool.i do balet,jazz,hip hop,gymnastics,cheerleading,and karate.try them and see what u think.just dont lounge around and watch tv all day..... zzzzzzzzz