Start exercising and adding physical activity into your life .
Motivation and Confidence
By Julie Alvira , M . D ., MBA
Start exercising and adding physical activity into your life .
We ’ ve all heard about the famous New Year ’ s resolution of getting fit and losing weight . As soon as the holidays are over , everyone is excited and fitness centers are packed . But what about a couple of weeks later ? Does everybody stay on track ? The answer is , “ No .” A majority of individuals become discouraged . It can be seen more often in individuals without an exercise program designed by a trainer . Usually the individuals with a trainer tend to stick more because they have leadership , motivation , and guidance .
But if a person does not have access to a trainer , how can he or she can stay motivated ? How can they stay on track ? Earl Nightingale once said , “ Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it .”
Motivation and Confidence For an individual to stay on track with a goal , they will need what I call a
“ game plan .” Within this game plan , there are many players such as discipline and determination . But there are two more players that need to be taken care of in order to stay on track . The inside ones : motivation and self confidence . Every morning you have to open your eyes and say , “ I can do this ! Because I have the power and will to make anything happen .” I think self confidence is the master key . It can get affected by many situations including life events , loss of a loved one , end of a relationship , the feeling of loss of control , stress , lack of support , etc . All of these can suppress our confidence and eventually our motivation to stay focused and do things such as exercise and healthful eating .
Some Strategies to Activate :
• Make a list of goals already achieved ( even small ones ). Read it over and over and you will see that you have the capacity to make things happen . Mimic the steps you followed to stay focused .
• Positive affirmations . Personal sentences you can tell yourself to lift yourself up . “ I can .” “ I can do this .” “ I will succeed .” “ I believe in the power within me .”
• Make a mental image of the goal you want to accomplish and see it happening . Break it down into small goals . Remember that things take time and you need to have patience .
• Stop excuses . Take responsibility because 90 % of failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses .
• Make a support group . If you do have a trainer , they will be your major ally in the group . If you don ’ t have one , start a group with a friend , family , partner , etc . People that will help you get back on your plan when you fall “ off the wagon .”
• Short goals . Make sure your goals are short term ( ex . weekly ) because those are more realistic .
* Always remember to consult your physician before you start any exercise or eating plan .
Julie , M . D ., MBA Healthcare Management . Health & Wellness consulting . www . ajbodysculpt . com . Coaching services only for women in the areas of wellness , nutrition , fitness , addictions recovery , and wellness in the workplace to reduce burnouts . “ I like to focus on women and helping them get into a healthier lifestyle .” You can reach Julie via julie @ ajbodysculpt . com .
22 TEXOMA AREA Living Well Magazine | JULY / AUGUST 2017