The Recipe for Willpower

As a wellness coach, I am often asked how to get more motivation or willpower. While there is no true "recipe," there are strategies to increasing motivation- most importantly the kind that comes from the inside. Start out by thinking these things:

My health is critically important. Your daily decisions either lead you toward optimal health or away from it. Not all of your actions have to be (or should be) in the interest of your health, but they do lead to health consequences for good or bad.

I am in control of my schedule. Don’t tell me you don’t have the time to care for your greatest, most important asset- your body. There are 1,440 minutes in a day; dedicate 20 to exercise.

I have endless potential. Forget the past, whether it’s a less-than-ideal family history or lowered self-esteem. It will take time and effort, but you can live a healthier lifestyle and in time, you will feel better. Our greatest limitations are the ones we set on ourselves. Stop taking discouragement from ourselves or others.

I will make changes today. You know that your health is important and you should also know you are capable, so make a plan and start making changes today. You won’t regret it!  

http://www.acsm.org/access-public-information/articles/2012/01/09/finding-the-motivation-for-exercise-and-fitness-within