Motivation, we can find it so many places.  Sometimes motivation is born from a positive place, other times negative experiences or feelings can become our greatest motivators.  Here I will give you 7 ways to motivate yourself to get fit (and lose weight if that is one of your goals). 

1.  Find a Friend

Misery loves company, no?  I’m only kidding.  Sort of.  Likely you can find a friend or loved one who is also looking to get into shape to join you on your journey.  Meal planning, shopping, running, working out, complaining can be all the more enjoyable with a friend.

Start a workout program and monitor your progress.  Sure, you are probably doing it to lose a few pounds, but you will surprise yourself at what you are capable of during the process.  Once you are lifting more weight, running more miles, and climbing more flights of stairs without breathing heavily the 5-10 pounds you lost in the process will seem like a cherry on top.

3.  Select a Goal Shirt/Dress/Pant

I’m not saying you should purchase a brand new outfit that is 4 sizes smaller than your current one, but how about 1 size smaller?  Try on that snazzy on trend look you spotted while shopping and if it doesn’t quite fit the way you like, use that as your motivation to say “no” to a few snacks and treats.  Use the idea of killing it in those skinny jeans or that crop top to fuel your run and keep you from hitting snooze when you set an extra early alarm for your morning workout.

4.  Prove “Them” Wrong

Do you have people in your life who don’t believe in you?  Do they think this time you attempt to change your life you will give up and fail just like in the past?  Maybe (hopefully) you don’t have anyone rooting for your failure.  Maybe it’s a negative voice in your own mind.  “They” might say ‘Why bother?  It’s going to be difficult and you can’t hack it’.  Turn that negative energy into positive change.  Notice every little thing you do along the way that will prove them wrong.  Imagine “their” reaction when you succeed.

5.  Think of Your Health

Many people get to the point where they have to make a change because their life depends on it.  If you have an existing condition that is caused or exacerbated by excess weight consider the relief you will feel once you have tackled that problem.  Some conditions may throw road blocks in the way of dropping the weight as quick as one would hope for.  Stay strong and stick with it.  Losing even 10% of your body weight if you are overweight or obese can do wonders from many medical issues.

6.  Make it A Game

It can be as simple as making as designating a jar in your home where you put in cash when you reach your daily goals, set a deadline, and use the cash you “won” to buy yourself a reward when you get to the end date.  Or you could setup or join a “Biggest Loser” type contest at work where everyone puts in money and competes against each other for the grand prize.  Currently there is a great new website called Dietbet.com where you can bet yourself and others that you will lose a certain percentage of your body weight.  A little bit of competition may give you a lot of motivation!

7.  Spend Money

Buy that 24 Day Challenge Package from your friend who’s selling the latest nutrition and fitness products.  Sign up for 6 months of personal training at your gym or hot yoga classes.  Buy those expensive running shoes and spend some hard earned cash registering for a 10k.  The thought of “not wanting to waste my money” may be the one that drives you all the way to your weight loss and fitness success.