We’re all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars

Attitude.  Having the right one is undoubtedly one of the most important things to have while training for a goal – whether it be a competition, to lose weight, to run a marathon, to get straight A’s at school – it could be anything. I’ll be the first to admit my attitude is not always a positive one, I often get down on myself and feel like giving up when things get rough. But what keeps me motivated? What keeps me striving to my goals to gain muscle, compete and stay fit? My motivation for success includes the following…

First, I Give myself a reality check.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Whenever I am feeling down on my progress, or am having a rough day diet wise, I give myself a reality check. This is mostly an internal, thinking process for me. I just have to pause, and consciously put the right thoughts in my brain. I make myself realize that my goals will take time. What fitness competitors go through in order to change their body does NOT happen overnight. It takes willpower, determination, courage, strength (mental and physical) and all sorts of other things that are unique from other people. What we do is HARD work, and often thinking about these traits are enough to keep me motivated. Reality check = motivation.

Look in the mirror. 

I adapted this one from my mother who lost 60 lbs on her own. People have asked what kept her motivated, and she stated “the mirror”. It’s true, looking in the mirror is often enough motivation to keep fit. You like what you see in the mirror? Then it motivates you to keep on doing the same thing, working out, eating right, etc. You don’t like what you see? It motivates you to change. Therefore, the mirror is a win-win for motivation!

Mirror, mirror, on the wall...

Revisit emotions

The feeling of finishing my first marathon = unexplainable feeling. It was one filled with pain (every part of my body hurt), fatigue, hunger, thirst, and most of all accomplishment.

The feeling of stepping on stage for the first time = unexplainable feeling. It was one filled with nerves, fright, racing thoughts, a certain stench (protan and sweat..nice), and most of all accomplishment.

The feeling of actually accomplishing something that you have trained for and worked at for many weeks on end is unexplainable. Any chance to have that feeling again is enough to motivate me. If I want to feel motivated to compete and stay fit, I think of the feeling I will have on stage when I come back in November, bigger and better .

First (and only) full marathon!

First show ! Bigger & Better in November

Rewards.

For me, this is what motivates me to stay fit and healthy day by day. By setting little rewards, such as competitors favorite “cheat meals”, it motivates you to work hard day to day until you get a little taste of a reward. Or for me, a not so little taste of sushi. Rewards come in all different forms. It could include new clothes that are a size smaller, a meal of indulgence, a glass of wine, a tattoo (my next reward..) progress pictures, professional pictures, or a new self altogether. Rewards are a great way to stay motivated! We deserve a treat for all the hard work we endure.

Lets not forget dessert!

YES PLEASE!

Well now you know what keeps ME motivated to lead a healthy, fit, and competitive life…check out what keeps these fabulous and fit ladies motivated!

Donloree –  http://www.bikiniorbust.com/

Kari –  http://www.figuregirlworld.com/

Dawn — http://www.bareitallfitness.com/

Allison — http://wholesomefitness.wordpress.com

Colleen — http://www.thefitbee.com/

Liz — http://4amaven.wordpress.com/

Tiffany — http://passlakeprincess.wordpress.com/

Kendra — http://grindhardlivefit.wordpress.com/

Lisa –  http://www.healthiestlife4me.com/

Tammy — http://tammysmirror.com/