We all have health and fitness goals. Go to the gym 4 days a week. Run 5 miles without stopping. Drop a dress size. We know goals are great, but unless you identify WHY you want to achieve that goal, it’s easy to fall off the wagon. So let’s dwell on that thought: Why are your health goals important? And those answers like “health is important” or “I’ll feel better about myself” aren’t going to cut it. I’m asking you to dig deep and find the emotional reason you want to achieve your goal.
I understand it can be uncomfortable to go rummaging through old memories and emotions. But when you tie an emotion to your goal, it’s easier to stay on track. And it’s easier to get back on the wagon. This is critical because we all will find ourselves off track at one time or another. Instead of beating ourselves up for not being perfect, go back to why you care. Find that emotional connection, and that’s a powerful motivation.
Let me give you a quick example. I started exercising and eating healthy because I wanted to maintain a certain clothing size. It was tough sticking with it. Friends were not always supportive of me ditching happy hour to go work out. Or if I did go, I was ‘the healthy one’ (with an eye roll) when passing over the deep fried appetizers.
I managed to stay on track….most of the time! Now, about 10 years later, I’m still working out and eating good food. In the last year, my uncle passed away from Alzheimer’s disease, an illness of the brain. My other uncle has Parkinson’s disease, another brain illness.
My grandmother died from schizophrenia, a brain disorder. She was so bad, my parents had to stop bringing me to visit her. She thought I was my aunt and would call my parents to yell at them for taking her little girl. Think about that—not being able to see your grandmother. Brain illness is genetic, and the odds are not looking good for me.
That scares the crap out of me. Thankfully, research is showing regular exercise and eating healthy fats can override my DNA carrying those nasty genes for mental disease. That means everything to me when I look at my family. There’s no way I’m going to put my husband and daughter through Alzheimer’s or schizophrenia; I will do all I can to make sure I’m a healthy wife, mother, and grandmother. Now, I don’t give a rat’s behind who rolls their eyes at me or takes a cheap shot at me for sticking to my healthy choices.
This next week, set aside time to mull over why you want to achieve your goals. It can take a bit to uncover the emotional connection, but it’ll be worth it. Because life will throw you a curve ball and knock you off track, but this time you will be ready. Instead of making excuses or fighting disappointment, you will find the strength to get up and back on track. Keep plugging away like this, and there will be no stopping you. So go on, get those emotional juices flowing!
About the Author
Michele Gorny is a mother, wife, business owner and fitness specialist and nutrition adviser. Michele practices a holistic approach to well-being and is dedicated to helping people discover how healthy one can be when connected in mind, body and spirit.
