Motivation

Motivation is a big deal. Without it you're not going to get very far before you just quit. People, including myself, talk about it all the time. I need to get motivated. I am so motivated by so-and-so. I wish I could find something to motivate me. And so on, always searching for the pull of motivation.

Well, I've discovered a secret which I'm willing to share will anyone willing to read this blog. The secret is to BE the motivation. That's right folks, the trick is to be on the flipside.

Recently have I realized that that being the push of motivation rather than being pulled t be motivated is the key. I've had the extreme pleasure over the years to be told that I've motivated others to get in shape after seeing my progress. It's ever so humbling when you're told that you are helping someone else make changes in their life and that's not a position I find I take lightly. In fact, it pushes me even more.

Think about it: Have you ever had someone that you really looked up to, idolized, admired, whathaveyou - fall from grace and/or disappoint you? It has happened to me and I find that it shakes my inner core to some extent and question what I'm doing. Well, what you would do if you were that person that is motivating someone else to make positive changes in their life? You sure as hell wouldn't willingly let them down. In fact, I suspect that you'll find, like me, that you step up your game a bit.

Remember when you were in grade school and you got to be the line-leader? You always walked a little straighter and held your head a little higher than your buddies behind you. It's the same concept here. Someone is looking at you to help guide them as to which way to go and you don't want to let them down.

So I want to thank everyone that has ever told me that because of something I've done or said that they have felt I motivated them. Because that works like instant karma for me and comes right back and pushes me to be even better.

The one caveat to this plan is that over the years that I've learned that you can't motivate who you want. You simply need to get out there and do your thing and be someone that others will look toward, but not everyone you want to will take your lead. I have family and loved ones that I just can't seem to get to recognize that they can make changes that will lead them to a healthier life. In fact, sometimes it really pisses me off. These are people that I love and damn it can't they take care of themselves so that they will be around for a very long healthy life for me, for my daughter! It angers me when I see these people not taking care of themselves and I see that they are robbing me of time I will get to spend with them in the long run.

I have taken this anger and done two things with it recently: 1) I have turned it back on myself - when I don't take care of myself, don't others have the same right to feel angry with me? and 2) I realize that you never know how long it will take someone to ultimately make that crucial decision to start changing their life, and I can't stop now. I have to continue being a role-model, day in and day out, because if tomorrow is their day - I want to be there for them.

So I want to close with thanking just a couple of the many people that have pushed me:

Suz - you are a rock star! You have just taken the challenge and run with it and you blow my socks off day in and day out. Several times I've prepared myself to see that you quit or gave up and you haven't yet once: you just keep coming and coming. I can't express how in awe of you I am, and wish that all those loved ones that make me angry could see you. Thank you !!!

Janie - You never fail to tell me what I've done for you. But I don't think I return the favor nearly as often as I should. You have lost such an incredible amount of weight, it's staggering, I will never get out of my head that picture of you holding those big giant bags of fat, representing the fat you've lost. And you haven't quit, you keep chasing those goals and dreams, and I know you're going to get there. And I don't want to call you out - but you're no spring chicken :) (of course neither am I anymore) But you're showing me that age is just a number and you can lift heavy at any age. My only compliant about you is you live too damn far away!

Katie - I don't know what I would do without you to "talk" to day in and day out. I constantly find it odd that one of my best friends I talk to by IM everyday. I love knowing that you're always there to keep me in check. And you are always out there one, or more, steps ahead of me: Running faster and further than me and now you're training for your first triathlon. I happily will continue to try and catch up to you!

Strangers - the kindness of strangers. Through this blog, on the street, in the gym: random people have made my day but giving me just a few kind words. It helps me to remember that you never know who's watching. I, by no means, have all the answers and am just getting there by dedication, trial and error. And I try to be mindful of how these strangers stepped out of their box and took the time to extend kindness to me and return the favor to at least one other stranger a day.

What you want to be eventually you must be every day.With practice, the quality of your deeds will get down into your soul. - Frank Crane