This might be the most important question I ask anyone who tells me she’s trying to prioritize her health, get fit, lose weight, stop doing x thing, make a change:
WHY?
Sometimes I have to ask the question a few times before finally getting down to the real, core motivation. It can feel intrusive, uncomfortable, maybe even painful to examine your desires so deeply. But it’s essential to getting you where you want to be.
In every health and wellbeing journey there are moments of frustration, boredom, and “I just don’t want to” feelings that can derail you if you’re not prepared for them.
And when those moments come, the best weapon against them is a strong WHY that you can recall easily and often.
So, let me ask you,
Why?
For summer so you can feel good in clothes or enjoy outdoor hobbies?
For an event, like your sister’s, child’s, or friend’s wedding?
Because of a doctor or health appointment where they recommended losing weight or making changes?
To show up for your family? To help through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? To be able to lift and play with your kids or grandchildren?
To be able to do the things you want: to go up the stairs, reduce pain, do the fun activity?
It can be as simple as that, although I have found that we all have deeper motivations that go beyond upcoming events or present experiences.
Keep asking yourself why – why do you want to feel good in your clothes?
What does that event coming up have to do with your health?
Who cares what your doctor and health team thinks?
How does your health allow you to show up for your family?
The more you examine your desires and motivations, the more you’ll end up with a lasting, powerful WHY that will endure and continue to serve you.
But whether you’re pursuing a short-term goal or trying to establish lifelong habits, any powerful WHY can be enough to drive you through sluggish days or busy schedules.
When the couch is calling your name, remember WHY you want to get in shape.
When you want to give up on your goals, just skip for the week; remember why you are making these changes.
When you feel overwhelmed, discouraged, like life is just too hectic and busy; remember why your health is an investment that supports and allows you to show up for everything else.
Call up that reason and put it up against that seductive call of laziness …or the temptations of unhealthy eating… the desire to just stop and try again another time…
It’ll keep you focused on what really matters to you – even when it’s something that takes discipline and determination.
You got this!
Your Coach,
Arina
I help women who struggle with their relationship with their body, food and health build a sustainable routine to prioritize their wellbeing. So they can feel strong, capable, pain free, and at home in their body.
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