Get Psyched - Mark it On Your Calendar!!

For me, just wanting to lose weight is never enough of a reason to stick to a fitness plan. I can't tell you how many times in my life I have felt the disappointment of failure due to loss of motivation. Sure I always start a healthy eating plan or fitness schedule with determination and high hopes. But after about a week of hard work and deprivation the whole idea seems to lose it's luster. I start to ask myself, "Do I really want to lose weight this badly? It doesn't seem worth it". I can talk myself out of hard work quite easily. This is why I need a good, solid reason to stick to a health and fitness plan. A reason other than simply wanting to lose weight. I am a professional physique competitor and a fitness model. I have turned my fitness goals into a career and I love what I do, but I am still human and I fall off course several times throughout the year. I know all too well what it feels like to have a great desire to look and feel great, yet fall into temptation when dessert is being passed around the table. And I know how it feels to give into temptation all weekend with friends and it's that much harder to regain self control come Monday. I've been there, and that is why I give myself a goal that is important enough for me to want to stick to a plan. I will chose a fitness competition and mark the date on my calendar. I will send in my contract so it is official - I MUST show up and I must be in shape! For what it's worth, I am the only person who cares whether I have done my best to prepare for my show. If I am not at my best for competition the judges will give me a poor score and get on with the show. I will not be scolded or mistreated. Luckily I have a great determination when I am preparing for competition and after all is said and done I walk out onto the stage with confidence, knowing I have given it my all. Nothing feels as good as knowing I've reached my goals, it's wonderful! I remind myself that whatever my placing is, I've done my best and that is what matters.I am well aware of the fact that i will not be competing for the rest of my life. What I do want to take with me is the self motivational skills I've learned. While the true goal will always be health and longevity, motivation can be kicked into high gear with realistic small goals. When there is a date checked on the calendar I will know to look forward the pride I will feel on that day. Whether it is a special event or a fun day of shopping for new jeans, the journey leading up to this day will be fun and exciting. And afterwords, the satisfaction of a goal attained is usually reason enough to stick with it!Other ways to find motivation are small but powerful. Buy yourself a cute new fitness outfit that you can't wait to wear! I love Body Up fitness wear - www.bodyup.com. Get a workout partner who has similar goals. Cook and eat healthy meals with your family! Make fitness a part of your life and get excited!