Source: skinnyyogagirl.tumblr.com via Mollie on Pinterest
I’ve come to realize over the years that a little more than saying, “I want to get in shape,” is needed to get me out of bed an exercise on a regular basis.
Making good choices about our health can get tiresome when those around us are living differently. It takes sacrifice and long-term commitment to reap the benefits.
Finding a good, solid reason for eating well and working out is one of the foundational keys to fitness. We call it your why.
Why are you exercising?
Why are you choosing home cooked meals over fast food?
The answers to these answers need to be close to your heart. Your why needs to be something that will sustain you when the going gets tough.
I’d love for you to think through the following questions, or better yet, grab a notebook and write down your answers. After some careful thought, write down your why.
Put your why somewhere visible so that you can be quickly reminded when commitment wavers.
Ten Questions to ponder in order to find your why:
1. How do you feel on a day to day basis? Physically? Mentally?
2. How would you like to feel on a day to day basis? Physically? Mentally?
3. What would your life look like if you were in better health?
4. If you keep living the way you are now, what do you expect your life to look like in 10 years?
5. If you could be in the best shape of your life, what could you accomplish? A dream realized? Desire fulfilled?
6. How would being in better health benefit your family?
7. How would being in better health benefit you personally?
8. Are there any diseases that run in your family which could be avoided by making healthier lifestyle choices?
9. Do you have a school or family reunion coming up 🙂
10. If you’re unhappy with where you are, how did you get here? What can you do to take the first step to a new life where you are physically and mentally in the best shape you can possibly be?
It’s easy to get caught up in the urgency of daily life and forget about these important things. It’s also easy to overlook the fact that much of our well-being is in our own hands.
Let’s take a hold of our health and suffer the pain of disciple. If not, we will face the pain of regret. Let’s not do that.
If you’re feeling brave, share your why in the comments below. We’d love to cheer you on!
I’m linking up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda
Stacy,
Loved this! It’s so true that our whys need to be close to our hearts! My why is kind of hard to put into words, but its definitely close to my heart. I guess id say: to feel good again and stop feeling miserable. And to be a better example for the family.
So glad you and your sister have started this up again. Can’t wait to read more!
Thanks for stopping by, Michelle.
Your why sounds a lot like things I have said to myself.
You can do it! Keep those reasons close to your heart and mind.
My “why” is because I want to look good in my wedding dress (for our anniversary) come April. 🙂
That’s a great motivator! Your hubby will love it.
I lost quite a bit of weight from my job in the labor field. I want to start a fitness regimen that’s not easy to forget (due to my horrible short term memory) because maintaining my body at the current size is where I feel most confidant. My physical confidance is up the roof with exercise and eating better. God forbit if anything happens to my current job, I would like to maintain a fitness routine in any job field and showing my daughter how to take care of our own body will be proven by a routine.
Glad to hear how confident and good you feel. Having physical work be part of your everyday life is an excellent way to stay in shape!
It’s wonderful that you are so intent on being a good example to your daughter.
I have many reasons why:
1. I have put on (well had before I started this journey this year) 20kg – 44lb – since my wedding day. On my wedding day I was at the top of my healthy weight range, and not fit.
2. I’ve had five babies and that takes a toll on my body. And has contributed to a lot of the weight gain.
3. I need to set a good example for my family – not just my hubby and children but for my siblings, my mum etc.
4. My father died suddenly a few months ago. While the final cause was not technically a lifestyle problem, his chronic ill health caused by his lifestyle choices were what lead to his death.
5. I want to be strong and fit and healthy and be someone that my hubby is proud to “show off” as his wife!
Just to clarify – hubby is not ashamed of me in any way, I just want him to be super proud of what I’ve achieved.
Hi Liz! You have some great goals.
I know what you are saying about wanting your hubby to be proud of you and show you off. I feel exactly the same way.
Keep plugging away at your goals and keep your why in mind. You are doing good things!