What do you REALLY want?

This time of year we talk a lot about goals. We want to lose weight. We want to save money. We want to get more education. I am sure you sincerely, deeply, often desperately want to do these things. Maybe you have wanted (and tried) to for years. But none of them is what you REALLY want.

Most people don't want to lose weight because it's fun (although I am sure there are some out there). In fact, while it feels rewarding to do it, losing weight, saving money, getting an education - all of these can be really hard! That's why they are constantly topping our resolution lists! If it were easy, we would have mastered it last year.

So if you don't want to lose weight for the sake of losing weight, why do it? Why put forth all this effort to change habits that you have had for years? Why do YOU want to lose weight?

Maybe losing weight will help you have more energy. Why do you need energy? Maybe to help take care of your children. Or to work a full day to provide for your family.

Maybe losing weight will protect your body - your joints, your heart, your blood chemistry. This can lead to a longer life. Why do you want to live longer? Sure, everyone wants to live longer, but I bet not everyone wants to for the same reason. Have you ever thought about it? Why is living longer even important? What do you REALLY want your life to be?

Maybe losing weight will make you look and feel better in your clothes. Maybe you want to get pregnant. Maybe your doctor just told you you should. Why are any of these things important to you?

Continue to ask yourself why until you think you have found the ultimate reason you want to lose weight. This is what you REALLY want. This is your core motivation, and it is powerful. If you can keep in your mind an image of what you really want, you will be able to weather the ups and downs of habit change. You will be more able to make healthy choices when it is hard. And you will feel more satisfaction because you will see the most far-reaching benefits.

So there is your challenge as you set goals this year. With each goal, ask why to find your core motivation. Make sure your goal will help get you there. Then get to work!



WHAT IS YOUR CORE MOTIVATION? Share in the comments below!