Facing the Inevitable

At some point in your wellness journey it's inevitable that you'll face a lapse in motivation. But as the old fable of the tortoise and the hare illustrates, slow and steady wins the race. Continuing on your healthy path be it moving more, de-cluttering your life, eating the rainbow or connecting with yourself, others, or a higher power is the journey of a lifetime. As we commit (and re-commit) to small steps, they start to become routine and eventually will become a more natural part of our lifestyle. Week after week, healthy benefits will add up sooner than you might think!  If for example, we look at weight loss achieved through smart eating and increased movement. We may lose 1 pound every 2 weeks, 6 pounds in three months, 12 pounds in six months and 24 pounds in a year!  When facing a lapse in motivation, try these tips for keeping your eyes on the prize:

     Look for inspiration. Draw motivation by reading inspirational quotes or read articles about     ways and or people who may have overcome some of the obstacles and frustrations you may be facing.
    
     Buddy up. Find another person who shares your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Challenge each other to keep going.
     
     Start a journal. Turn to journaling (written or visual) to chart your journey.  It’s an easy tool to see how far you've come, remind yourself why you're doing this, and clarify what obstacles might be getting in the way.

It’s inevitable that motivation may wane, but how you overcome it is totally in your control.