Motivation.  It’s what keeps you going.  It’s that little annoying voice in your head saying “just do it”.  It’s your reason why, or maybe just your why.  Motivation has peaks and valleys, it changes with the season, sometimes the month, week, day, or hour.  Some days and weeks I am super motivated to get my ass moving, have tons of energy, and ready to tackle my workouts with enthusiasm.  But other days I hit snooze, hide under the covers when my kids try to wake me up, and stuff my face with avo toast and almond milk lattes.  Sometimes I workout hard just so I can go to Outback later and not feel guilty about stuffing my face with cheese fries.  TRUE STORY!  It’s all about balance right?

Motivation.  I’ve found it’s easier when  I have an ultimate goal to reach.  I have failed miserably when I use a particular weight as my goal.  I’ve learned that I am much happier and more motivated when I am physically training for something.  Most recently it was a half marathon.   By having that marathon hanging over my head, I was motivated to run, to prepare, and to kick my own ass into running shape and get the time I wanted.  The scale hardly showed a change, but my body transformed as I trained harder and I was happy.  It wasn’t easy training (GOD I dreaded those long runs) but I am more disciplined and proud of myself for reaching the goal I set and for shedding that “summer squish” that was so fun putting on!  

Motivation.  I’ve never had a workout I didn’t enjoy… when it was over.  No matter how many excuses I make to not do the damn thing, I am always in a much better place after a good sweat session.   And by better place, I mean I am more patient, kind, compassionate, and in a better “mental state” than before my workout.  You don’t want to meet me in the milk aisle, at Whole Foods, on a packed Sunday afternoon, if I haven’t got a work out in all weekend.  The hour that I spend taking care of myself, both my physical and my mental health, sets the tone for the day and gives me the energy I need to face the challenges I encounter (hello crazy 2 year old that poops in her underwear the second we leave the house).

6am works for me.  I can’t say it works for my hubby, but he puts up with it, because he knows how valuable it is to me.  Find what works for you, what motivates you, find your why, set a goal, and run with it (maybe literally run)!  Something crazy may happen, you might actually like it?!