Have you ever been part of a group or organization where it drained your energy?! Every task or meeting felt like a something you had to do or should do? How likely were you to procrastinate doing those tasks?
Now think about something you are involved in that gives you lots of energy; something you are passionate about, something really important to you. How likely are you to go above and beyond, making sure you fit in those tasks, even when you are busy?
When exercise feels like a “should” we miss out on the kind of motivation that gives energy. Eventually, we will start to make excuses and life will get in the way.
Take out a piece of paper and brainstorm all the should’s connected to losing weight and exercise (you may need a whole notebook!). I should….. eat more veggies, get my heart rate up, push myself harder, stretch more, be able to walk without pain…..
It does not matter if they are helpful goals or not, just write down what feels like a should, that make you sigh or roll your eyes when you think about them.
Now brainstorm what comes to mind when you ask yourself “what do I really want more of? Energy? Stamina? Strength? Confidence? Comfort? Why do I want more of that? to be able to travel, play with my kids, socialize again…. the things that make you feel really excited about getting to your healthy weight. The things at the heart of your reasons for wanting to lose weight and to exercise.
When motivation is low,
there is a disconnect between
what we are doing and
why we are doing it.
Listen to your words, they are great clues. If you hear yourself saying, I should ____ or I have to ______ or I need to make myself _____, it is time to get to the heart of why you are doing it in the first place.
Keep Moving, Be Well
Janet
Please share these posts with anyone you know interested in losing weight with or without weight loss surgery. Click here to learn more about the UMass Memorial Weight Center
These weekly blogs are general guidelines. These guidelines apply to patients who are cleared by a physician for the type of exercise described. Please contact your physician with any concerns or questions. Always report any symptoms associated with exercise, such as pain, irregular heartbeats, and dizziness or fainting, to your physician.
Keep Moving Weekly 