Finding Your Motivation to Improve Your Health and Wellness

Taking the first step toward better health and wellness can feel overwhelming. There are countless options to choose from: new diets, exercise routines, mindfulness practices, and more. But before jumping into action, it’s essential to understand what drives you—your motivation. When you connect your goals to your personal values, the journey becomes more meaningful and sustainable.

Why Motivation Matters

Motivation is the fuel that keeps you moving forward, even when challenges arise. It’s what gets you out of bed for an early morning workout or helps you choose a nutritious meal over a quick, less healthy option. Without motivation, even the best-laid plans can fall flat.

Motivation can be intrinsic (coming from within) or extrinsic (driven by external rewards). Intrinsic motivation often leads to longer-lasting change because it’s tied to personal satisfaction and deeper values. However, extrinsic motivators, like wanting to fit into a favorite pair of jeans or earning a reward, can also be helpful, especially at the start of your journey.

1. Reflect on Your “Why”

The first step in finding your motivation is understanding your “why.” Why do you want to improve your health and wellness? Your answer might be:

• To have more energy to play with your kids or grandkids.

• To manage a health condition, like high blood pressure or diabetes.

• To feel more confident in your own skin.

• To reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Write down your “why” and keep it somewhere visible. Revisit it whenever you feel your motivation waver.

2. Set Clear, Meaningful Goals

Vague goals like “get healthier” or “exercise more” can feel unachievable. Instead, set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example:

• “I want to walk for 30 minutes, five days a week, to improve my cardiovascular health.”

• “I want to meditate for 10 minutes each morning to reduce stress.”

By breaking your goals into smaller, actionable steps, you’ll feel more accomplished and motivated as you progress.

3. Identify Your Strengths and Barriers

Think about your past successes and how you can apply those strengths to your current goals. For instance, if you’ve successfully stuck to a morning routine in the past, use that structure to add a new habit, like stretching or journaling.

Equally important is identifying potential barriers. Common obstacles include:

• Lack of time

• Low energy levels

• Fear of failure

Once you recognize these barriers, brainstorm strategies to overcome them. For example, if time is an issue, try meal prepping or scheduling short, effective workouts.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Motivation often grows when you recognize progress. Celebrate milestones, no matter how small. Did you drink an extra glass of water today? Fantastic! Did you make it to a yoga class after a busy day? Amazing! Rewarding yourself reinforces positive behaviors and keeps you excited about your journey.

5. Build a Support System

Surrounding yourself with supportive people can make a significant difference. Share your goals with a friend, family member, or coach who can encourage and hold you accountable. Consider joining a group with similar goals, like a walking club or a meditation group. Knowing you’re not alone can be incredibly motivating.

6. Embrace Flexibility

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes plans go awry. Motivation doesn’t mean perfection. It’s okay to have setbacks; what matters is how you recover. Reflect on what went wrong, adjust your plan, and move forward. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

7. Visualize Your Success

Take a moment to imagine your future self achieving your goals. How does it feel? Visualization can boost your motivation by helping you connect with the rewards of your hard work. Try writing a letter to your future self or creating a vision board to stay inspired.

ERIC’S Final Thought

Finding and maintaining motivation is an ongoing process. It’s natural for it to ebb and flow, but by staying connected to your “why” and building habits that align with your values, you’ll create a foundation for lasting change. Remember, improving your health and wellness isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. Celebrate every step forward, and don’t be afraid to seek support when you need it.

Are you ready to start your journey? Let’s find your motivation together. Schedule a free consultation with me today!