What motivates you to want to change something in your life that may not be working for you?
I’ve worked with people who have diabetes for the last 13 years, and one thing I try to do is help motivate people who want to change. Telling someone what to do is never effective. I have found what works is ultimately letting someone decide when they want to make the change and what changes, if any, they are ready to make. That’s when I provide guidance and support along the way.
I admit, I don’t wake up every day of my life ready to tackle the world. There are some days when lying around seems like the best plan, and there are times when I lose motivation to cook, exercise, or eat healthy. And you know what? I think that’s OK. We’re all human, and we’re all going to have those days or even weeks. But I think where it becomes an issue is when you lose all motivation to live your best life.
Different things motivate people. For some, it may be the way they look, the way their jeans fit (or don’t fit) or the way they feel. Or maybe it’s an incentive that motivates you or the support of a close friend. Perhaps even seeing the sun or listening to music is something that gets you up and going. Whatever it is, I think it’s important for us all to identify what motivates us to create positive change in any aspect of our lives.
My motivator to change what I was eating was based on how I was feeling every day. I got to the point where I said, “Enough is enough!” So I did my own research and came up with a plan that worked better for me. No, I still haven’t figured myself out completely (not sure if that’s possible). I consider myself an experiment in the works, but I learn something new about myself every day.
I’ve never been one who loved to exercise everyday either. It’s something I make a conscious effort to do, and I admit, sometimes I just don’t want to do it. Unfortunately exercise has never been about losing weight for me (because that’s not usually the result I get), so I had to find something that would motivate me to want to do it. I had to discover what benefits exercise had for me. I found that I valued the mental benefits like improved mood and more motivation and confidence in myself, so that became my motivator.
I believe that if people can find what works for them and what motivates them, they are much more likely to stick with it and begin to create positive changes in their lives.
So I’m curious: what motivates you?
In Honor of National Diabetes Awareness Day we recognize that there are an estimated 8 million Americans who are undiagnosed with diabetes and are not getting the treatment and education they need. If you have a friend or family member who may be at risk, please share to help us reach as many Americans as possible!
http://www.livongo.com/whats-your-diabetes-risk-factor