There are 2 types of Motivation described in textbooks as it relates to fitness and health.
Extrinsic and Intrinsic.
Extrinsic Motivation is the type of push that comes from outside of yourself. This can come in the form of music, a workout partner, television ads, or personal training. Extrinsic motivation can also be a reward once you've reached a goal. External motivation is the easiest to procure and is the first step to achieving your goals. Alas, Extrinsic motivation can also be available in the negative context as well, such as someone telling you something, (truthful or not) that makes you feel the need to exercise, lose weight etc.... In starting a program or getting yourself started, however this form of motivation is a good start as a general rule. Personal Training is particularly good at this (No, not a sales pitch), for many reasons, primarily because you are paying for it... what better reason to show up, and work hard when you have a workout buddy, can do it safely, you have someone to ask questions of, it provides a social atmosphere and you will get your to your goals much faster.
Intrinsic Motivation is what comes from within, this is usually done through goal-setting, personal revelations into your 'situation' and understanding what needs to be done and walking that road. It can be thought of as self-guiding and self-propelling. It is a form of motivation that is often difficult to attain but with practice, setting a regime and sticking to your guns makes this very possible. External motivation waxes and wanes, so having a level of self-motivation is imperative if you wish to succeed. To achieve intrinsic motivation you must realize the benefits that working out and being healthy has built into it and see those as the rewards, not something outside of that.
Find what drives you. and then get in the drivers seat and hold on...
Extrinsic and Intrinsic.
Extrinsic Motivation is the type of push that comes from outside of yourself. This can come in the form of music, a workout partner, television ads, or personal training. Extrinsic motivation can also be a reward once you've reached a goal. External motivation is the easiest to procure and is the first step to achieving your goals. Alas, Extrinsic motivation can also be available in the negative context as well, such as someone telling you something, (truthful or not) that makes you feel the need to exercise, lose weight etc.... In starting a program or getting yourself started, however this form of motivation is a good start as a general rule. Personal Training is particularly good at this (No, not a sales pitch), for many reasons, primarily because you are paying for it... what better reason to show up, and work hard when you have a workout buddy, can do it safely, you have someone to ask questions of, it provides a social atmosphere and you will get your to your goals much faster.
Intrinsic Motivation is what comes from within, this is usually done through goal-setting, personal revelations into your 'situation' and understanding what needs to be done and walking that road. It can be thought of as self-guiding and self-propelling. It is a form of motivation that is often difficult to attain but with practice, setting a regime and sticking to your guns makes this very possible. External motivation waxes and wanes, so having a level of self-motivation is imperative if you wish to succeed. To achieve intrinsic motivation you must realize the benefits that working out and being healthy has built into it and see those as the rewards, not something outside of that.
Find what drives you. and then get in the drivers seat and hold on...
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