5 Stay Motivated Strategies for Healthy Living

I stood there tugging at my clothes but the mirror didn’t lie. I’d packed on so much weight during a particularly turbulent season of life that I barely recognized myself. Those round cheeks, wide hips, and flabby stomach must have belonged to someone else. But they didn’t and on top of that I felt sickly and weak. I knew something had to change.  

That was ten years ago and it’s been an imperfect journey. But, despite setbacks, I’ve maintained a desire to stay healthy and feel good. And, along the way, I’ve learned how to keep myself motivated when I’m ready to give up.

1. Remember Your Why

There are many reasons to start making healthy choices. Perhaps, like me, it’s to lose weight and feel better. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to forget once we start to see a little progress or run into a season of life that makes the commitment harder to keep. Writing down my reasons for getting healthy is a good motivator for me to come back to when I start to fall off track.

Why did you start this healthy journey? Write that down now, and then pull it out whenever you feel like giving up or when you lose sight of your goals.

2. Build on Your Momentum

It is almost always easier to keep going than to stop and start again. Do you sometimes feel tempted to skip that early morning run or feel like eating that second cinnamon roll? I get it. Me too! But, I know that if I let myself get off track, it will take me forever to start again and all the work I have done will be lost. Take a day off if you need to but get back to it as soon as possible.

3. Find an Accountability Partner 

Most of us know someone that wants to make healthy changes. Find a friend you can be honest with about your daily struggle, someone who can encourage you even if your goals aren’t the same. Be honest with your potential partner about what you need from them and what your goals are. Even if they don’t live near you, touch base over the phone or through pictures. My friend and I send each other pictures of what we are eating. It helps us both stay inspired and keeps us from getting into a rut when we need a new idea.

4. Leave Yourself Personal Notes

Positive affirmation can be powerful. I leave myself reminder notes like, “You are so close to your goal!” “Stay strong!”, and “You did it yesterday, you can do it again.” These little notes help me stay focused, put a smile on my face and remind me of my why.

5. Use Apps that Tracks Progress

I love apps that track my progress. I get a boost satisfaction when I get kudos and digital stickers and many apps allow you to invite friends so you can give each other digital high fives. And, apps help me push farther when I see that I am close to a new goal. But, I especially love seeing my own progress charted.

Most importantly find your why, stay strong, and keep working at your goals. We all have setbacks but it’s never too late to start again or up your game.