Motivation is a very important factor involved in controlling weight. There is nothing fun or easy about curtailing carbohydrate intake, counting portions, avoiding alcohol and/or setting the alarm early to get up and exercise. We are motivated to do all of these and more, by:
- Wanting to avoid medications that are being recommended to treat co-morbidities of poor weight control
- Wanting to look younger
- Wanting to fit into our more stylish clothes
- Wanting to regain our higher energy levels
- Wanting to reduce pain
There are many more bullet points that can be added to this list.
There are certain times of the year when the season adds additional motivation:
- Summer season approaching and wanting to feel comfortable in front of others while wearing more revealing clothes
- Holiday time approaching and wanting to look svelte and healthy at all of the gatherings
- An upcoming wedding, reunion or other festive occasion and being desirous of looking “great”.
However, there are many times in the year when there is a sort of “lull” in motivation. A good example is August, when the summer swim/beach gatherings are winding down, Christmas/Holiday season is far off and perhaps there are no upcoming social gatherings such as a family wedding or school reunion. At these times, it becomes more difficult to find the motivation to stay steadfast in your weight control efforts.
During these times I recommend that people focus on their families and the motivation to stay/become healthy so as to be able to spend great times with them in the future. How much better is it to be chasing around with your children/grandchildren as opposed to being infirmed and not being able to participate.
Keep handy some pictures of your loved ones and if you feel a lull in motivation to control weight, take out these pictures, look at them and realize that this “motivation” is so much more important than looking good in a swimsuit in July.
Motivation to become healthier and happier should not be seasonal. Stay motivated!
And for those of you tired of watching those old Frank Sinatra videos I post, here is a video of Normani singing “Motivation”…amazing dancing!
