How not to quit

What keeps you motivated? I've been having trouble reminding myself of the pleasure and achievement of martial arts, lifting and running. I've complained about it prolly for over a year. I had a chat with my therapist, where she thought of reasons why I'm not interested, and I told her I miss it. So she said you once again need to make it a priority, a job, something that I will value it. So she said if I'm having trouble motivating myself to workout, she said I would die. That was motivation.
What motivates you?

Fear is my big motivator unfortunately. I wish that positive things motivated me, but it's usually fear of losing my job that I fought so hard to get back, losing my relationship, losing my house, etc. Motivation to move my body is much harder. I've gained weight on my meds, and have never liked working out. I get so stubborn when someone want to "help" by telling me I'll die. I've always wanted to die. So it doesn't scare me or have much of an effect on me. I wish I had more tools to motivate myself because I hate being fat. But it paralyzes me--as if it's too late or I'm too far gone to make much difference. I need intrinsic motivation and to keep the locus of control inside myself. Just don't know how to shift the focus to what I want/need/deserve. Self-love should motivate me, but self-loathing takes over. Hard.

I've been having trouble not quitting my job...the thing that ended up motivating me is the slippery slope concept. The more I try to make my life simpler the harder even simple goals become....eventually things like cooking and showering become insurmountable....you can't allow it to slip to that point....

I think a big mistake that people tend to make (and I've certainly done it myself) is that they wait until motivation comes FIRST before they take any action. Unfortunately you could be waiting for a long time with that strategy. What usually works better is taking action first, which then leads to motivation.

I'm not sure about you, but I always feel so much better after working out. So even if it's the last thing I want to do, I try to treat it like a priority and by the time I'm finished, I'm sweating like crazy and feeling great mentally.

I think the other poster has a point. sometimes you can't wait for motivation. the more you move I think in time, when you see results and feel better , the more motivated you become
righ now my biggest motivation is the summer. I hate feeling like I have to cover up my body in the summer or can t wear what I want or feel hot . My other motivation is vanity haha. I want to look good. It's kept me on my diet and exercise program so far!

Ever since I stopped working and my kids have grown up motivation is hard to find.
I am still motivated when it comes to my kids and the summer weather.
It gets me out and I start to go fishing again which keeps me motivated all
summer and through the fall.

Get yourself going to the gym. Make it a habit/part of a routine. It'll get easier the more you go.

Since moving back here I've had to remotivate myself since now things are different and my husband and I can't go together at night anymore. So I've been going by myself. It was a little intimidating at first, but I'm getting back in the habit.

You can do it, boogie!

I have the best luck trying to "just do it," without the motivation. I agree with "Scared and Confused."

I am most motivated by trying to be a good partner to my husband. He is so patient and understanding and deeply cares about my welfare. I owe him the same amount of effort. I want to contribute to his happiness.

I am also motivated by trying to be a good daughter/caregiver to my elderly mother. She lives with us. She has had many health trials over the past 2-3 years. I hope to keep her motivated and active so she can maintain her mobility.

I wish I could honestly say I am motivated for myself. I guess I am somewhat; yet, I am more motivated by those listed above. I am doing PT and continue to lose weight. It makes me more comfortable and improves my fitness level. I guess this is, at least partially, for me.

Great question, boogiesmash!


WC

I stay motivated because I am determined not to let bipolar and anxiety win. They are always trying to prevent me from doing stuff and I do it anyways. Every single time I do something in spite of not wanting to I give myself a pat on the back because I won again.

Thanks for this. I am trying to treat it as a high priority but my mind makes bunch of excuses. Monday was first time in a while that I woke up earlier and worked out before work. I too feel great after a good workout.

Maybe trying to remember this??

I'm already at that point and don't know how to pull myself out of it.

It's tough, no doubt. I have been at that point recently, as well.
On the worst days, I try to choose at least 1-2 activities I can force my way through -- a shower, getting dressed, a meal? Something.

I think back through my day and count every/any action that was positive or accomplished something. Count even the smallest things.

It's such a drag when we are at this point, I know.
My heart goes out to you.


WC