Motivation. It’s that elusive urge that seems to come and go, and most people think it’s just there or it’s not. We’ve all said it once about something…”I’m motivated now!” It’s like someone turned the key and suddenly we’re motivating on the road (may be the wrong way, but we’re out and motivating). And unfortunately, some will be motivated without gas in a dead end. Then those words seem to tearfully flow from his lips… “I’m just not motivated anymore.”

I don’t know if I’ve ever worked with someone who came to me and really understood and defined their motivation and mapped out their motivation strategy. Now people come to me with the beginning of a goal, but don’t confuse a goal with motivation. A goal is something you want to strive for and achieve. Motivation is what drives you to get there. And it’s not something that comes and goes without explanation or understanding. That is perhaps one of the most important factors in achieving any goal…understanding and defining your motivation and planning your motivational strategy.

We are “motivated” by one or a combination of things. Some people’s motivation is generated from the positive aspects of reaching their goals. Others find that their motivation is generated from pain or from a negative experience or feeling. Then there are some who are motivated by a combination of the two. So what does this really mean? Here is an example that I use with my clients. Let’s say a woman wants to tone up and lose the body fat she’s been carrying around. I always suggest that you put a picture of her as she is now, or a picture of how she wants to look on the refrigerator door and in the bathroom mirror. And then there is the option of putting both pictures on the door and the mirror. She will be motivated by the positive reinforcement of how she wants to look or by the negative feelings associated with how she looks and how she feels now. And, of course, it could be the case that both images served to motivate her. Everyone should look at any goal and determine and understand their true motivation behind that goal.

Once you determine and understand your source of motivation, you should realize that your level of motivation directly depends on understanding potential obstacles and weaknesses ahead of time. Those cookies on the counter can quickly throw a curveball into your motivation if you’re not prepared. And staying up late to catch that movie isn’t going to help you get up early for your cardio session. Make sure you understand what your weaknesses are and plan to avoid them, or at least be prepared to focus on the source of your motivation when you’re around.

Staying motivated is not something you can afford to take lightly. I take the success of my clients very seriously and make it a priority to establish their source of motivation and a motivation strategy in advance. My ultimate goal is RESULTS, and lasting results will always drive motivation!