What moves you? What drives you? What INSIDE makes you WANT to be better both on the inside and on the outside?
Becoming better versions of ourselves, getting healthier and fit are usually looked upon in a positive light. However, the driving motivators may not always be good for us or come from a good place. It is important to be self-aware: Out of what and from where are we acting? Is it out of fear? Is it a healthy place or a place of insecurity? Positive and negative things can be equally motivating and even yield the same results.
What many studies on human behavior have shown, however, is that positive motivators effect long-term positive change whereas negative motivators do not. In fact, negative motivators prove to be effective only while the negative motivating factor is present. Once it is removed, the motivation disappears. This may be why a crash diet, for instance, started after being informed by the doctor that there is risk of a heart attack, is effective in losing weight quickly, only to have the weight return within a few months.
Examples of negative motivators that are not effective or good for us are:
I’m fat.
I’m not good enough.
I’m not attractive.
I’m not ___________(fill in the blank with ANY negative thought about yourself).
Examples of positive motivators are:
I want to get in better shape because I will feel better and be happier.
I am increasing the quality of my life.
I’m worth the investment of time and resources.
A good self-check as to where your motivation originates or is rooted is to ask yourself these few simple questions each time you undertake a change, and answer them boldly with honesty:
1. Why do I want to do________________?
2. For what purpose would I do ________________?
3. Is this action I am considering a loving action?
4. Would choosing to take this action be good for me, good for community, good for my family, and good for the world?
Answering these questions will help you not only discover the root of what’s motivating you but also help bring clarity to what and why you want to effect a change.
