In my late 40’s I found myself in the throes of morbid obesity, desperately seeking answers on how to turn my life around. The concept of motivation had always intrigued me, but now it had taken on a new significance. How could I muster the strength to shed the excess weight and regain control of my health and well-being?
As I embarked on my weight loss journey, I pondered the elusive nature of motivation. It was the driving force behind the transformation I so desperately sought. But was it something that could be found externally, or was it an inner flame I needed to ignite?
Over the years, I had been inspired by countless weight loss success stories, admired those who had achieved remarkable transformations, and faced circumstances that demanded change. These external motivators would provide me with fleeting bursts of determination, much like gusts of wind pushing me forward. They encouraged me to dream of a healthier, happier future. However, I soon realized that these sources of inspiration, as powerful as they were, had their limitations. They came and went, leaving me searching for new sources to reignite my motivation when it dwindled.
External inspiration was like a flickering candle in the wind, and I understood that I couldn’t solely rely on it for the long and arduous journey ahead. There had to be a deeper well of motivation within me.
And so, I began to explore my inner motivation.
I started by setting clear weight loss goals for myself—milestones on the path to a healthier me. These goals were the destinations I aimed to reach, the summits I aspired to conquer. Knowing where I wanted to go was the first step in my transformative journey.
Next, I asked myself why. Why did I want to shed the excess weight? What was the driving force behind my desire to regain my health? It was here that I uncovered my inner motivation—the profound “why” that would keep me going when external inspiration waned.
To ensure I stayed on course, I broke down my weight loss goals into smaller, more manageable steps. These mini-milestones allowed me to celebrate small victories along the way, reinforcing my sense of purpose.
I shared my weight loss aspirations with trusted friends and family. They became my pillars of support, holding me accountable for my actions and offering encouragement when I faced challenges.
Visualization became a powerful tool in my arsenal. I would close my eyes and imagine myself standing on the scale, having achieved my weight loss goals. This mental image became a constant reminder of what I was working toward.
I learned to embrace setbacks as part of the journey. Instead of viewing them as failures, I saw them as opportunities to learn and grow, strengthening my determination to overcome obstacles.
As my story unfolded, I discovered that motivation wasn’t just a temporary burst of energy; it was the unwavering drive that resided deep within me. It was the reason I woke up every morning with a renewed sense of purpose, the force that made me want to thrive, not just survive.
In the end, I realized that while external inspiration could be a catalyst for action, true and enduring motivation came from within. It was my inner motivation that guided me through the ups and downs of my weight loss journey, making my dreams of a healthier life a reality. And so, armed with the power of inner motivation, I continued my journey, eager to see where it would lead me next.