So, sometime last week or so I read an article about the importance motivation has on work out performance and the over all success on reaching one's goals. Now, this seems to be a very fundamental idea, everyone knows that the right motivation can make some one do anything. Yes, that is very elementary. But the point was that people who do not dig deep into their selves never get where the want to be. 

The article suggested the best way to conquer this new life style is to really dig into what caused you to make a change, and why this change is going to be a permanent one this time around. The author wasn't talking about I want to be thin or that I want to look better in a bikini motivation. No, because that motivation gets lost in translation and you lose sight of that when temptation is in front of you. They called it "Finding the Pain," which is, why you  don't you like the way you look, specifically? What does our look say about you, to your self and others? Why is your self esteem low, and why do you want to change it? These are some of the questions to ask to get the root of your problem and give reasons on why and how to fix it. How does the change impact your life and why does that impact affect your life? 

Now, I am sadistic enough to love this idea. It is intriguing the way this is broken down in the article and how to find the true motivation and strength to complete your task, or just frankly the PAIN that you need to reach your goals. I went about finding my pain and came up with some really basic ideas. Now ,I am sure there is more searching that I have to do. This is only the start and keeps me going in the gym. I did the best I could do at the time and plan on updating these ideas monthly to keep things in perspective for me. This way, the push I need to keep going doesn't get lost in the shuffle. This list was hard for me to create and to come to grips with and it should be. The truth hurts about 100% of the time, but it needs to be said or done. The idea is that this list gets more and more positive each time it changes and goals are met. Finding these things in yourself shows your mentality. Unfortunately, the mentality isn't that positive self image I would like to have. IT'LL COME WITH TIME, I AM SURE OF THAT!!

1.Not happy with what's in the mirror. I feel disgusting and unattractive in my day-to-day life and relationship. I feel like I am embarrassing myself when I wear certain clothes. I am not comfortable in my own skin. 

2.I have lost my self confidence and feel inadequate in simple duties. It is affecting my work preformance because I am embarrassed of myself.

3.I am unhealthy and I have a predisposition to sickness. I need to work hard to keep myself healthy and from running myself down. I want to really live and enjoy my life and live to see my family grow.

4.I feel sloppy and lazy. Very lathargic and with out energy. I want to feel like a 23 year old and not like an old women. I don't want my limbs to freeze on me or my body to fail me.

5.I want to start something and finish it. This is a goal I have complete control over and want to actually finish something I started. I want to feel like I have accomplished something.

6. I want to start my life over. I want to leave the past behind me and change my life. I have had a negative history and would like to put myself on a positive path that will lead to positive things.  

Some of my reasoning is very typical, but the fact is, is that it is the truth. This is only step one. I have done many other things based on my reasoning. I have given my self a purpose in the gym and continually remind myself of that purpose: to take control of my life again and to get my confidence back. The other thing I did was make very specific fitness goals for myself, long and short term. These were based on where I have been physically, mentally and other wise in my life and where I would like to be. Some of these goals I may not ever reach, but now I have something to strive for. These goals are very personal and require that I gain complete control over my body, actions and mind. They are the building blocks to a new person and vision of who I am really am and want to be. They are not just lose weight, lower body fat or look better. They are distinct numbers, reasons the goals matter to me, and how I plan on getting there. 

Now that all this is done I have to develop a plan of action. I have a work out plan and a nutrition out line, but the plan of action I am speaking of is how am I going to keep myself on track so that I do not deviate? This goes back to the finding the pain article. I have to remember these pains and use them to motivate me. Not surprising, that this is not as easy to do as it is to type. :} I remain hopeful and not so convinced. There is only one way to prove or disprove it works, and that is to do it!

:D