In the Fuel-21 class on our very first day, I ask participants to list what their motivation is to change their habits. Usually, what pops up first is an aesthetic motivation because we all want to look and feel good in our own skin. What I ask of people in the course is to consider a different perspective on what might actually motivate you more. What if you could look past that immediate goal and focus on health and longevity? Focus on your future? Focus on your productivity during the day? Your loved ones around you? Living a harmonious, balanced lifestyle?
Maybe I'm getting to a new phase in my life where I am starting to think of my future versus just my present self, but my motivation stems from looking at where I am at the age of 40, 60, 80, 100 years old. What do I look like? How do I feel? Am I able to play with my kids, grandkids, great grandkids? Am I able to travel as I please? Am I disease and prescription free as I age? Do I love myself in my own skin?
Jason Seib's writes a very insightful blog post on "You Can't Fix a Body You Hate". He brings up great points about loving yourself today and unveiling the truth that aesthetic goals are short term, usually lofty, and most of the time unattainable. Mainly because... you don't love yourself now, so what is going to be different when you lose 10, 20, 30 pounds? It's something I have struggled with in the past and am just now getting to the tipping point on loving every curve of my body. Ironically, usually the things you don't like about yourself are what others think are amazing! If you look at my vision book, one of my spiritual goals is to truly embrace myself as I am. After attending Landmark Education, reading articles like the one above, and consistently setting attainable goals that are in harmony with the lifestyle I desire, I feel like I have finally had a break through with this. At my heaviest ever today, I feel more care free about my body than I ever have. It's liberating.
My purpose in life is to teach, motivate, and empower others to live a healthy, happy, and purposeful life and reach higher than they think is possible through nutrition, exercise, and overall lifestyle.
My purpose has now become that much more of a reality because I am finally learning how to love myself in every area and embrace my flaws.
What is your purpose? What life do you want to create? Could this be holding you back from living the life you want? Take a second look at your motivations and check to be sure they align with the bigger picture in your life. You might be surprised at how much closer you step to reaching your goals.
These are some great points Crystal...thank you. I feel we often fail because we don't see the results that the magazine covers lead us to believe are attainable. They are usually easily attained by using photoshop! It takes time, and during that time we should focus on the other reasons for improving health and well-being, being content with our image. Matt
ReplyDeleteGreat post Crystal. I made a vision board on Friday and mainly focused on who I want to be in the future. I was surprised at how how uplifting and motivating it was. I also found most things to be character traits.
ReplyDeleteLauri-- I too did not take vision boards very seriously until I actually sat down and did mine. It was so motivating to see my vision appear on a board in pictures and words! It sits in my bathroom where I see it every day. I also started a Vision Book a few months ago and it has honestly been even better. I can use it to write my goals and vision in with pages of smaller vision boards. As life goes on, I see my goals reached and have space for what's next in life. It also allows room to write what you want or to keep things that are motivating to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and keep reaching higher!!