When working out and making positive changes in our lives, it's essential to have a strong "why" – a clear and compelling reason for taking action. But how can you know if your "why" is real or if you have a strong motivation and reason to work out and be consistent with it? In this post, we'll explore tips for evaluating the strength of your "why" and finding ways to sustain your motivation."You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." – Zig Ziglar
First, it's essential to understand that your "why" can change over time. What motivates you today might differ from what inspires you a year from now. That's why it's essential to revisit your "why" regularly and make sure it's still relevant and compelling.
One way to evaluate the strength of your "why" is to consider the level of personal importance it holds. For example, is your "why" driven by personal values and goals, or is it caused by external factors such as the desire for approval or recognition?
Personal values and goals are more powerful motivators because they are more deeply rooted and aligned with our sense of purpose and identity.
Another way to evaluate the strength of your "why" is to consider the emotional energy it generates. Does your "why" gives you enough power to be relentless about getting things done? If so, you're on the right track.
Examples:
- "I want to lose weight to improve my health and reduce my risk of developing chronic diseases." This "why" is driven by personal values (health) and is likely to be a strong motivator because it is directly related to the individual's well-being.
- "I want to get in shape to impress my friends and look good in my clothes." This "why" is driven by external factors (impression and appearance) and may not be as strong of a motivator because it is not as deeply rooted in personal values and goals.