Staying Motivated

So, I've been feeling pretty good about myself. Getting lots of compliments from folks, fitting better in clothes, moving down clothing sizes, more energy, etc. But I realized this has made me slack off - both with cardio (which I always hate) and with food & my food journal. I'm nowhere close to where I want to be. So this week, I took a hard look in the mirror and am renewing my commitment to my health. Because this isn't about fitting into a certain size or seeing a certain number on the scale. This is about getting as healthy as I can and then staying healthy. I've made great strides to that goal, but I still have a ways to go.

So how to stay motivated?

Well, taking a hard look in the mirror helps. Yes, like most women, I'm overly critical on myself. But at the same time, I can't just think oh, I'm doing so good because my clothes are baggy. I have to appreciate my success, but then acknowledge I have many miles to go. For me, taking a hard look in the mirror sans clothes helps with this. I see areas that I'm still not happy with, which makes me put on the shoes and move, even if I don't want to.

I've also set up some rewards - both short and long term. First, if I do the cardio I need to do during the week and stick with that schedule for the month, then I'll reward myself with a new pair of shoes. Ahh... new shoes. Is there any better reward? Then, if I get to where I want by August (which is bathing suit ready), I'll go shopping for a new outfit PLUS shoes (always have to have the shoes & I'm thinking a really good pair, like Badgley Mischkas). Then my long term reward is a shopping spree for a new wardrobe. Because if WHEN I get to where I want, I'm gonna need them. ;-)

I want to encourage two things. First, in previous attempts to get healthy, I used certain foods as rewards (like ice cream). Clearly, this never worked for me and is almost counter-productive to my long term goals. I recommend using non-food rewards - whatever works for you. For me, it's shopping and shoes. Second, take out the "can't" and "ifs" in your vocabulary (notice I stuck out the "if" in the previous paragraph). Be like Yoda - do or do not, there is no try. It is amazing how changing your vocabulary will effect your mental state. I WILL do my cardio and WHEN I meet my goals, I get new shoes!
So, that's my plan for staying motivated.