3 Ways to Motivate Your Health in 2012...

Two and a half years ago I ran my first and only half marathon.  I used to run a lot of 5k road races with my Dad and my husband.  When I decided that I wanted to run a half marathon, I knew that I would need some extra motivation to keep me focussed on the necessary training.  Since at that time I knew over 10 people that had been impacted somehow by breast cancer, I chose to raise money for the Susan G. Komen fund for breast cancer research.  This cause was near to my heart because I had personal connections with these people.  Some of them expressed gratitude to me that actually brought tears to my eyes and that alone was my motivation to stay on track.  Although I am usually good about keeping a commitment like this, this extra boost made it so much more meaningful to me.  

Four weeks before race day, my grandmother took a turn for the worst and my training was interrupted for 1 1/2 weeks.  In addition to the trauma of watching my grandmother pass, I was missing training time at one of the most crucial parts of the training program.  By the time I was able to start back into my training I could not finish the 8 miles I needed my first run out.  I thought I was doomed....however, I knew how important both this accomplishment was and how much it meant to the people who had contributed to the cause I was running for.  This kept me going and I ended up finishing the race in 2 hours 23 minutes and feeling the deepest sense of pride and joy I had in a long time.  I knew that the fact that I finished this race without stopping even once, I could do anything I ever put my mind to.  I’ve had other similar experiences in my life where I’ve looked back at my accomplishments and felt amazement and pride in them.  

We often do not take the time to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished in our lives.  We also don’t usually let ourselves seek out the support that can help us obtain our goals.  My commitment to raise money for a cause that was important to me helped keep me motivated and focussed on my goal.  Yes, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.  But I’m not sure I would have pulled myself up so soon after losing my grandmother if I did not have the extra motivation.  

Sometimes a little extra boost of support and motivation is all we need.  Having someone help us to get clear on what motivates us, what demotivates us and how to focus on the way we will feel when we have met our goals can be the difference between another diet or a life-changing experience.  

Here are some ways  we can help keep focussed on our health goals for 2012...

• Recruit a friend.  Ask either a friend or family member to join you in a healthy commitment for 2012.  Whether this is an exercise plan or a weekly date to cook something healthy.  Studies show that when you make a commitment together you are more likely to be successful.
• Start with the End.  When you regularly envision yourself already experiencing your goal, you are more likely to achieve it.  Spend time daily to meditate on the feeling of already having accomplished your results.  Feel the pride, joy and bliss of changing your life for the better.  Focus on specific results and you will achieve them.
• Enlist a professional.  A professional health coach can help you by providing a system, support and accountability (tough love!) for getting clear on your goals and making them happen.  Sometimes my clients admit that they have stayed on track simply because they knew they were going to be held accountable in our next session. 

I hope these tips help get you started for improving your health in the new year.  If you would like more support or information on how one of my programs can help you to increase energy, improve mood, reduce stress and lose weight in 2012, schedule a Veg Out Strategy Session with me today.  

Wishing you Health and Harmony in the coming new year!