Motivation and Discipline

I have a hard time defining what motivation is. One thing for sure, it's an overused word. Mostly I will hear that "I've lost my motivation to lose weight;” or, "I have no motivation to exercise.” The reason I have a hard time understanding this word (when it's used as a negative), is that it's just an excuse to avoid the decision to do something. ‘Motivation' is something that we have to work at; it does not come upon us without thought. Motivation is making a decision to change, and then sticking to that decision. Motivation is discipline. It's the discipline to go for a walk or to go get on the elliptical machine when you are tired. Motivation is a decision to make a healthy breakfast, and a decision not to snack at night.

Motivation is the realization that you must do the things you know you should do and the realistic appraisal of those abilities you have to follow through.

I suppose what holds us back is the lack of belief in ourselves that we can succeed. Many of us are weighed down with self-doubt and fear of failure. However, in realizing this, it's even more important to make a decision to make simple, practical plans that will make us feel better about ourselves. Even if you "don't feel motivated” you know you will feel much better about yourself if you keep your portions down, avoid unnecessary snacks and do a bit of exercise. Making these simple decisions gives us self confidence, and that creates the motivation to work harder.

Please don't make excuses; don't sell yourself short. We recently saw a couple of gentleman who wanted to lose weight for health reasons, but didn't even start. One said: "every time I've tried this in the past, I regain the weight; so why start?” The other simply didn't what to give up some of his food even though continuing to eat the way he was doing will lead to severe worsening of his diabetes. Why do we not try? There are so many success stories and so many happy results that HAVE occurred in people who also weren't sure if they would be able to stick to a healthy lifestyle long term.

What we hope to do is help people believe they can do it. Most of us underestimate our capabilities so we need to learn that we can do it. I must admit that the road to weight loss is not easy, and harder still is keeping the healthy habits going for a lifetime. But, it CAN be done. It's done one day at a time. It's done by being successful one week and messing up the next, but having the will to get back on track. It's done by keeping an eye on your personal goal, and never giving up. It's done by making a daily decision to do the best you can do, and believing you can accomplish what you have started.

Do not give up on yourself; you are capable. This is your life and your health, so never ever give in to self-doubt.

I believe you can do it; just hang in there!

Dr. Doug

FYI: Our last arboretum walk for the fall is tomorrow, Sat. Oct. 10 at 9:00am. Come join us and walk amongst the beautiful, colourful trees!! Hope to see you there!