We all experiencing the waxing and waning of motivation in our endeavors. One important question to keep on the forefront as you make health changes it consider “Why?”. Defining what your purpose is. Why are you wanting to lower your cholesterol? Why are you wanting to prevent diabetes? Why are you making lifestyle changes, committing to regular exercise and saying no to that piece of cake? Perhaps you are driven by being “sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.” Maybe you have watched a loved one with a chronic disease and their suffering. You reason why may be so you can play with your kids, feel alert when you’re reading that new novel, work in the garden and enjoy that round of golf. Whatever the reason it helps to define your purpose, write it down and keep it on the forefront! You will face obstacles along the way and without a clearly defined purpose it will be easy to become discouraged and throw in the towel.
Asking “Why?” and defining your purpose serves many benefits.
It defines your success. You’ve heard it said before if you aim at nothing, you’re sure to hit it. Define your purpose and your chances of succeeding greatly improve. Want to lose that twenty pounds and keep it off…defining your purpose will define your success.
It creates decision-making criteria. Every project or large goal requires small steps to reach the larger goal. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Make small attainable goals, with your clearly defined purpose, and make sure that the small changes you are making are in alignment with your larger purpose.
It motivates. Motivation is a huge factor! Structure serves as something you can fall back on in times that motivation is low. Set up a system of time management, goal management and resource management so you can stay motivated, or at least when you aren’t feeling the “most motivated” you can not fall off the wagon.
It clarifies focus. Can you see yourself healthier? Can you see yourself without daily body aches and constantly tired? Can you see yourself getting more accomplished during your typical day? Defining your purpose, asking why, helps to clarify your focus and brings things into perspective.
It expands options. People are often afraid of change, so they stay in their box. They eat the same foods, go to the same places, have the same daily routine. When your purpose is clearly defined the path to reach it can take a variety of routes. You can make each day exciting and fulfilling. There are many options. Eating healthier opens up many new foods and recipes. Exercising opens up many options to become active with friends and family. Look for options and take advantages of those open doors.
People love to win. If you’re not totally clear about the purpose of what you’re doing, you have no chance of winning. Be clear about your purpose!
