Motivation is Overrated

If I had a dime for every person that says they want to lose weight but are just not motivated – I’d be worth millions. Over half the conversations I have with people are on the subject of motivation, but motivation shouldn’t determine success.

Interestingly enough, we all have things that should give us plenty of motivation to lose weight and get in shape. Our health and appearance mean a lot to us, but what people are really talking about is a feeling. People naturally would prefer to “feel” like working out. Some people only exercise on the days they “feel” like exercising. Well gosh, I would hardly ever work out if I did that!

You cannot rely on feeling motivated to help you reach your goals. It is a plan and total commitment that gets you to your goal – period. Relying solely on motivation puts your success on something that is variable. This applies to other areas of our life like putting money away or paying off debt. You only get success when you commit and follow through – whether you feel like it or not. Similar to going to work or church those days you really don’t feel like it, it has to become a priority. Like work, the discipline pays off.

Read this quote from my husband, Steve Pfiester, while shooting ABC’s Fat March. “At some point we have to take control over our emotions and our discomforts. Our pain and emotions should never dictate our actions. Emotion is important to be aware of, but not to be slave to. We need to act out of purpose in a positive mannor regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.”

So in essence, we need to quit letting how we feel affect what we do. The good news is we can cling to the fact that weight loss is pure science and it works. What you put in is what you get out. Even if you are down, depressed or feeling ehh. If you follow through, you’ll still get the same great results whether you were motivated or not.