God, Where is my motivation?!

Ever wake up and not want to do anything; you want to lie in bed, Netflixing and chilling all by yourself? For the past couple of weeks, I have been motivated my patients on taking control of their health; eating right, exercising if they want to get off or prevent going on these hypertension or diabetes medications. But it is like where do I find the motivation to do it myself? I will draw a whole game plan for them. Yes it is my job but how do I keep finding the strength to educate and keep them on their weight loss regimen, their new lifestyle and not do it myself.

Working out has always been my solace. I am stressed, I head to the gym. I am missing one, I go sweat it out. I have a decision to make, I weigh my options out on the treadmill. It is more than something I have to do to maintain a certain figure, it is part of my lifestyle as it keeps me centered. A lot of people ask me how do I find the motivation to work out 4-5 days a week. Well, you put time into things you want. The same way for a relationship to work, both people have to devote time to it. If it is not on your priority list, then it will not happen. If it is something you “have” to do, it will not get done. There will always be an excuse, a darn good one too. Changing your mindset is the first step towards changing your way of life.

I started working out when I was 12. Actually let me back it up. I started with karate around 9 years old; for the sole reason I wanted to get closer to my brother. He is 10 years older than me and the only way I could see us hanging out was for me to tap into HIS passion. Key word is HIS because I did not even show up to the exam that would have made me a black belt. So I quit karate being a brown belt. Yes, I kick butt! So back to working out. I started working out at 12, since I had quit karate which had felt more like an obligation. With working out, there was pride in feeling stronger, and of course, keeping a svelte figure. Then, more benefits came in the form of patience, resilience, greater sense of self, maturity, self-love, body confidence, discipline and determination.

Working out has never been something I had to do and over the years, it became more part of my self-care routine, from the physical to the emotional. When I have not hit the gym in weeks, I am off kilt: stressed, moody and hormones get the best of me. So why would I not want this to be a constant routine. I get my motivation by knowing the end results are so much worth it. My method to stay on track is having dedicated days for the gym – Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with reminders on both my phone and vision board. Next, I plan my workouts days prior. The days I feel not up to hitting the gym, I do what every good mentee does: I reach out to my mentor. I would text or call my brother to help snap out of my funk and go beast it at the gym. Most of the pages I follow on Instagram are fitness oriented. If you want to be better at something, you surround yourself with people who have mastered at that same thing. Your environment has to reflect the next stage in your life you are picturing. Knowing your limits and weaknesses is the best way to keep elevating. If you do not have someone who can be your motivation when you feel low, start being the example or motivation for another person; until you find yours.

Share with us! Who do you reach out to to keep you going?