10 Ways to Get Motivated to Lose Weight Today

I have struggled so many times in the past about how to get motivated to lose the weight I had to lose.  Have you ever been there?  I have struggled so many times with finding the will to leave that sweet treat in the cupboard (or better yet at the store) and eat some fresh fruit instead.  Any one else feel me?  Maybe you've felt like you just have too much on your plate to get the workout going.  I wish I could say I never have that problem anymore and I am always excited to get my workout done, but I can't because that would be so not true.  However, I DO know a thing or two about how to get past that hump and get my butt in gear.  So, I'm going to share a few tips I have learned along the way, as long as some things I've learned from magazines like Women's Health, in an effort to help you get your fitness on the right track! Tip 1:  Set a goal to accomplish something you know will challenge you.  Last year for me this was to complete a half marathon (my first) without walking!  It wasn't easy, but every day I KNEW I had to get my butt in gear and get outside to run so I wouldn't fail. Tip 2:  Find a buddy!  This has been one of the most powerful tools in my tool box when it comes to staying accountable.  Finding a buddy doesn't necessarily mean you need to workout in person with them, it just means you need to help hold each other accountable!  When I was first getting back in to fitness after having my son my friend and I sat down and made goals together then reported daily if we'd gotten in our workout or not.  Having to look her in the eyes really made me stay on track!  I have also found SO many supportive people online to keep me going.  If you want that support you just have to take enough initiative to find it. Tip 3:  Have a sweet music list for your workouts.  Nothing kept my butt moving on my long half marathon training runs like a good tune to listen to.  I can't say enough about the power of an awesome song to pump you up and help you "do more".  I have a post under running me with some of my favorite running songs if you need inspiration to get you started! Tip 4:  Make an appointment with yourself!  If you schedule your workout like a doctor or dentist appointment and then commit to being there then you are less likely to "skip it".  I know the days I decide to just "wing it" in terms of knowing when I will fit in my workout I don't do nearly as well and honestly often don't get it in at all.  I HAVE to schedule it and put it in my planner.  It is an appoinment for me time that will pay off in so many ways down the road! Tip 5:  Start small.  If you haven't been working out at all then you have to build up your fitness level.  Want to run a half marathon?  Don't go for a 10 mile run on the first day, but rather start with a couch to 5k plan or even run a minute then walk a minute.  Rome wasn't built in a day and your endurance won't be either.  Set a realistic goal for how many times a week and how long you will work out.  If you haven't been working out at all it is a little crazy to think you can dive right in to 6 days a week. Tip 6:  Workout for a minimum of 10 minutes!  On the really tough days, you know the ones where you just don't want to get out of bed because it feels so good, commit to doing at least 10 minutes of exercise.  Most of the time when you do this you'll find after 10 minutes you are feeling great and ready to keep going!  That first "hump"can be hard to get over, but once you do will gain much needed momentum! Tip 7:  Make an investment of some kind.  This might sound silly, but I know for myself the times when I have felt more commited about anything in life have been when I made an investment.  When it comes to fitness you could invest in a workout program/ dvd, fitness equipment, new shoes, new workout clothes, a personal trainer…you get the idea.  If you put your money down you are more likely to carry through.  Times are tough folks and money doesn't grow on trees, so you'll want to get something out of that cash you spent! Tip 8:  Find an exercise you ENJOY!  I know, crazy concept.  I swear you may not think exercise is your cup of tea right now, but I can GUARANTEE there is some kind of exercise out there which you will.  It may not be running or biking, but maybe swimming or tennis is more your style.  Whatever the case you should explore all different kinds of physical activity until you discover which is the best for you.  There is a soul mate workout out there for you, but you have to take the initiative to figure out what it is!  I do recommend having a variety of activities you can at least somewhat enjoy.  Nothing is more annoying then boredom, so you'll want a lot of tools in your fitness toolbox.  This is SO key for motivation. Tip 9:  Write down your goals!  Nothing is more powerful to me than putting my goals down on paper and then plastering them all over the place (including my smart phone).  Share your aspirations with your family, friends, co-workers, your dog, anyone who will listen!  When you've done that keep on writing, but this time track your workouts and what you're eating.  A lot of times when we reach that weight loss plateau it is because we don't realize the mondane things we are doing to sabotage ourselves.  There are so many great websites or phone apps to track this stuff too!  A few of my favorites are sparkpeople.com, dailyburn.com and of course beachbody (http://healthyandhappynow.com). Tip 10:  Always treat yourself after reaching your goals.  That being said you do NOT need to treat yourself by overindulging on sweets or pizza (my personal weaknesses showing through here).  Instead, treat yourself to a new pair of skinny jeans, a romantic date night with your significant other, an awesome new CD or a day at the spa.  Whatever the case give yourself a pat on the back because your hard work is paying off!  This will give you the momentum you need to enter the "maintenance phase". There you have it!  Here are 10 of my top tips for motivation and getting yourself get "thin".  What do you think?  Have you ever tried any of these tips?  What works for you?  I'd love to hear how other people get going!  Leave a comment below and don't forget to share the love! Nichole