Most of us are inherently wise about what we could do to be healthier. We know we probably need to step up our physical activity, drop some weight, or cut back on our fast food intake. Most of us also recognize when we are stressed, overtired, and in desperate need for some R&R. Unfortunately, knowing we need to make healthier choices isn’t enough to motivate us to change, even when we know what we need to do.
What is missing is not the what, but a compelling and emotionally charged why. People can go on and on about what isn’t working in their lives, but have difficulty describing their vision of what they would look like and feel like, if they accomplished their health goals.
Spend 10-15 minutes writing down how you will feel when you make the necessary changes and accomplish your health goal. Creating a compelling vision for yourself that taps into powerful emotions, is one of the best motivational tools you can use.
When your knowledge of what to do is fueled by emotion, you are much more likely to take action and see the results you desire. As philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “He who has a strong enough why can bear almost anyhow.”