People often tell me, “If only I had your motivation, Jane…” To such people, my response is that “It’s not easy…but I CHOOSE to make it a priority and DO it.”
What makes you wake up and go to work every morning even though you don’t like your job?
Definitely NOT motivation, but the fact that you need the paycheck to survive. You suck it up and drag yourself to work because you have NO CHOICE!
That’s the same attitude you need when it comes to fitness and really ANYTHING in life. You have to make it important enough to want to go all the way!
I believe that we choose when to be motivated and when to turn it off. For things that we like, we’re highly motivated. However, for things we don’t like, we can drag our feet for months or even years.
People complain all the time about how they need to lose weight and look fit. However, when provided instructions on how to get there, they have a whole bunch of excuses such as; “that is not my thing”, “It’s too hard”, “It’s too demanding”, “I have no time”, “only men lift weights” etc. They essentially create a mental block by not being open to trying new things and thus lose the battle even before they begin.
Unfortunately, fitness is one of those things where you have TO WORK HARD. You HAVE to put in the required effort to see results. To make matters even worse, it takes a very short time [for example 2 days] to gain 5 Ibs, but 2 to 3 weeks to lose the same amount of weight. Losing 10, 20, 30 or even 40 pounds is not impossible, but it cannot happen in 30 days if you are trying to do it the RIGHT WAY! Hence, you MUST be mentally prepared as the journey might not be enjoyable at first, but commitment and patience can take you a long way. You might even start enjoying yourself with time.
My motivation first comes from myself. I had wanted to be fit for so long and was willing to do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING I needed to. I will not lie and say that leading a healthy lifestyle is easy. It can be hard work! When my alarm goes off at 5am, my first thought usually is “Do I really have to work out today? Maybe I deserve a rest.” Then I remember that how great I feel then I don’t have a choice but get up. When I crave sweet desserts and want to indulge in them all day, I have to soliloquize and bring my goal into focus – then there are days when soliloquizing only produces an echo.
Life has many ups and downs – there are days when I don’t need anyone to motivate me. I get up on time and exercise and stay nutrition compliant without a problem! Then there are other days when I just want to crawl under a rock, check out of life momentarily and not be bothered about anything. This is when I need my motivators and accountability partners the most.
It’s important to have a support system that gives you the required push you when you slow down and reminds you why you MUST eat clean and not miss a workout session. Your support system is the wind beneath your wings and they remind you of your goal and hold you accountable to it.
Tips on Motivation:
– Why do you need to ditch the extra weight? What is your WHY? Take a moment to think about why it’s important for you to get the weight off, then use that as you go to reason, on those days you’re not motivated. This needs to be a VERY SOLID reason.
– Do it For YOU!! Not for your boyfriend, husband or family. Doing it for you will keep you motivated and grounded even when others criticize you.
– Establish a group of people who can keep tabs on you and be your Support.
– Be Committed and ready to work – you have no choice.
– Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help! If you realize you’re struggling and not making progress on your own, Hire a coach to push you towards your Goal. We all know what to do but execution can be a problem. Even I have coaches for different things in my life – business coach, fitness coach, financial coach – we can’t do it all on our own.
Working on your health and fitness goal and don’t know where to start? Contact me at jane@janemukami.com to schedule time to chat.
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Thank you for the tips and it’s about time i stop making excuses and work out
just do it 🙂
Thanks so much Jane, the motivation is key it’s what keeps me going. I work out Mon to Fri without fail and at times add in a Sunday here and there. It’s bit easy but i jump started my journey with one trainer who has kept me accountable. Nowadays I can workout whether or not he is there. My why is I have been fat most of my life and I’m tired. I’m not going into myblate 30s feeling like crap, enough is enough.
Trainers are a great source of accountability and kudos for taking control on your life!
I just re-joined gym… for the fourth time this roman’s I go through what you have described there. I realised today that I even gained a kg even with the heavy working out. You article is indeed motivation enough. Thank you.
keep at it Sandra.
Thanks for the reply. I have seen that working with a coach is really effective as he pushes me to the limit. A thorough nutritional coach is now what i may need
When i started i made a decision to do it for myself as that will make me more focused and determined.
I am a nutrition coach and my weight loss program is nutrition based because i understand nutrition is 80% working out is 20%. Send me an email jane@janemukami.com and lets see if we can work together
So true commitment is the key! Though some days r hard
yes it is 🙂
Thanks Jane for the motivation. I go through the same struggle when i feel like I deserve a rest, I am too tired and end up not working out, but your previous blog gave me purpose so i’m trying to ensure i lose at least 500 calories a day. Hopefully i maintain this consistency.
Good job 500 calories a day is no joke, but you can do it.
thanks for the email. through your motivation I have taken by baby steps. I eat right and exercise five times a week. when I don’t feel like doing it, I remember you are fit but still exercise .was 82kg in April but as last week, I weighed 71kg. am not yet there but I believe I will come below the 70kg mark before the year ends. thanks alot Jane and blessings galore
good job Janet and 70kg is very close
It’s quite a challenge to stay motivated. For me at this point and time, after gaining 40lbs during my pregnancy, my greatest motivation is my clothes. Just a few of them fit and I’m not planning to spend a dime on buying new ones to fit my current body, heck no!!! So, i just have to sack it up and keep eating clean and working out at least 3 to 4 times a week until my clothes can fit again!!!
This article has motivated me since I was in a 10 day detox challenge while working out. After 10days, u gained weight instead if loosing. I said that I an going to stop working out since my goal wasn’t meant since u really need to shed out my kilos. But with this article am going to be determined and hoping with time I will be able to be fit and reduce my weight
Thank you Jane your tips have been of great help to me,on july this yr i was 82kg and now i thank GOD coz i have ditched 5kg that is 77kg,through the exercise but on side of diet i hv a problem,i wish i can follow the right procedure.how can i get the book.
Interesting read, motivation really is important. Personally, I do it because I feel good, less fatigued and I concentrate better when I work out on a regular basis
This message is very motivational and inspiring i hope someday i will wake up and tell myself i need to get out of this comfort zone
Thank you for this Jane.. I needed this today “you have to make it important enough to go all the way”
Oh this post is really good just what I needed as I restart my fitness journey. I am feeling awesome since I started my proper exercise routine. It keeps me grounded having to wake up at 5 am and get that workout done before I start my day not to mention how energetic I feel after my workout
Great information Jane love your way of working
I will be more committed to my work outs now
Just finished 10 day detox and ready to start on workout. Through motivation am ready to get back in to shape.
Hi Jane. Great post on motivation. When ever I try to make excuses not to work out or to eat anything and everything, I remember how far I have come within the past two years and the benefits I am reaping; I’m happier, I sleep well and all the medical conditions I had have all disappeared without medication! Thanks for being a source of motivation as well.
Thanks Jane. Since I started the journey 2014 you have always encouraged and inspired me You are a blessing into my life. Many thanks to you.
Thanks for your mail, I would like to loose weight it has been my desire ever since. Am 86kgs now n would like to be 65kgs.Please Jane help me!
Saw this as I was setting my wake up alarm. I’d already done the “ugh 5 hours of sleep is not enough so I can’t wake up at 530a to work out” spill but then I read this piece and I realized I am sabotaging myself. I need that solid WHY also……time to get thinking and figuring that One out.
Thanks Mukami?
Hi Jane. I have tried to consistently exercise this month of November. I do 15 minutes Zumba in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. My exercises are done Monday to Saturday However at the moment I feel exhausted, tired. What can I do to feel energized.
your are my icon ,i look up to you ,
however i end at that ,am too lazy to start the exercising regime.
thank you for the great work you are doing
Great article. Definately got me thinking and inspired to continue on my fitness journey. I’m down 1 dress size got 2 more sizes to go.😊
I like the spirit in you Jane….I did once the 10days detox and it really worked….
Jane you are my challenger no 1. Your energy has convinced me to begin look at life positively.
I read somewhere that about 75% of women opt out of exercise due to hormonal reasons especially around each stage of their menstrual cycle
Maybe you can do a research on the same and give us some tips as this practically revolves around our motivation to work out and our flagging appetites and diets
Thanks
Very insightful Jane, i find myself slouching and keep on postponing to join the gym. The motivation is within me
Awesome….I soo needed that…
Thanks for that insightful message. it has given me more courage to continue doing this. I have a good reason and that is my health. God bless you abundantly
i hope this time round i will make it. This journey is so tiresome but with the motivation as you have put it up here i believe i will make it. The journey continues
Hey Jane, thanks for that inspiration. I really needed it to push on. when i started to workout to lose the extra weight i was highly motivated and consistent until i attained my ideal weight it felt very rewarding.(lost about 10Kgs in a year). Then i begun slowing down, the workouts are not regular as they used to be and ‘the bunch of excuses’ crept in. Nowadays during workout its like punishing my body and it has been a real struggle not like before when i was overweight. I have just realized that it has to do with my mindset. i need to change my attitude and re-define my health and fitness goals. Thank you.
Best article I’ve read all month! I love how blunt it is! Keep it up, Jane. Bring on the tough love. We need it! ?
Thanks Jane for ur great motivation.
Btw I need to access my detox book after I changed my phone.
Jane,
Thanks for that amazing piece, yes being committed to working out is one of my bigeest struggles. I start and then stop, start, stop start ,stop , but i will use what you say that my why has to be so powerful that it propels me out of bed.My why is that i need to be in good health to fulfill my God given purpose. Thanks for helping me define my why.
Good Read you’ve inspired me to do the same honestly it’s not easy even the thought of it but will keep on pushing
Great …am motivated to make my body a priority.
That’s all the motivation I needed … To be reminded why I embarked on this journey in the first place. Thank you for the reminder. I’ll keep pushing on to achieve the goal.
Thanks for the motivation tips.
1. I am doing it for ME
2. I need a SUPPORT group or person
3. I must be COMMITTED, I have no choice
Yes I can! Yes I can! Yes I can!
Thank you Mukami this article has really spoken to me I will start it all over again this time not to please anyone but for I Miriam..
Thanks Jane for the motivation
Keep it up
Inspiration is the key!
Thanks Jane, you motivate me
Motivation = Discipline
Motivation = Discipline + Determination
Nice read right there Jane. I want to have the same motivation to be in this fitness journey even after the mood i earlier said it in has left me.
Started with detox on October 16th and so far so good where eating habits are concerned.
Paid for gym this month and haven’t attended even once….i really need to style up and go exercise even if its for 1hr i need to do this for my body i have got no choice.
Motivating myself all the way up #huu mwili lazima utatii.
Kind Regards,
Judy.
wow thanx for the tips coz i needed it.
i always work out like one week and when the pain its over i dont workout again than after another week again i start waaah i need to focus coz am 78.8 kg and i need to be 70kg
Hello Jane met you soma award I was the only lady came thru…am a member of both group 10 days detox and 21 days of change …Have bin following your tip and trust me from 82 to 68 …keep up the good work helping many on the issue of Good health…God bless
Thank you Mukami. I needed the motivation especially now that i had given up shedding post- delivery pregnancy fat.
Wow thanx Jane your such a darling really me from 80Kgs-65Kgs through Detox,Clean Eating and Exercise been able to make Progress ..Shukran
Today i tried fitting a dress n i must admit that i couldn’t stand my look on the mirror for a second it’s simple if i don’t do it then i have myself to blame for just being fat….thanks for the motivation it just came in handy am done lazying around. Thanks once more
U always motivates me,i work out daily at home,for almost three months my clothes fits me so well😀i feel so good
Thanks Jane
You are my role model, i will live a healthy lifestyle for me not for anybody, may God bless you Jane Mukami
Thanks Jane.
Thank you Jane. I have had my low moments but I have recently been trying hard to have less days of no work out eg it raining, I slept late, blah blah blah. Your tip is definitely a huge motivator.
hey Jane, this is a good piece i always made excuses when it came to consistency especially on gyming and even eating right,always told myself that its only body fat besides i,m still beautiful,but reality hit me hard beginning of this year and i was like nooo i gotta do something i cant go looking like a beautiful roto water tank coz you know i’m also short so you can imagine and think i’m an hour glass.so i got motivated with that and said i want a well defined waistline and an hourglass figure..lool. i was 79kg when i started my journey and now i,m 67 my ideal weight is 65 but i’m glad i got to the sixties,then it was only a dream now its my reality,i’m consistent with the smoothies which i made part of my diet and gave myself 4 days a week of 30 minute working out,my only problem is i have an afterbirth pooch which i realized was caused from diastis recti but i googled on the exercises that help with that and so far we are on our journey vizuri sana and all i can say is BADO MAPAMBANO..
Awesome article Jane.
A BIG YES right there. i set myself to workout 3 times a week after going home so tired from work. sometimes i do it because i really have the energy, sometimes i push myself to workout probably after looking back on how unhealthy i’ve been eating, so i tell myself, “No way get up and workout” but other times am so lazy. And you know it can somehow affect your mood, for instance you can feel like you’ve failed to reach your goal for that week/month. So i made my husband my accountability partner. O.M.G It is hard sometimes. Thankyou for this message, i love that you are very real in all ways. I want to start lifting weights, but honestly am not sure where to start from. Like is there a routine you follow? do you have a trainer? (fyi i had a c-section 11/2 years ago but i do alot of cardio).
Hi Jane, you’ve become such an inspiration to me.
I am one of those who are lazy in exercises cos I have back and feet problems and I am now trying to eat right and look for some workouts that will help me.
Thanks for your blog, at leat here we see and read the real thing.
Hi Jane, you’ve become such an inspiration to me.
I am one of those who are lazy in exercises cos I have back and feet problems and I am now trying to eat right and look for some workouts that will help me.
Thanks for your blog, at leat here we see and read the real thing.
Thank you for this motivation tips,its really encouraging.
My oh my Jane you’re just the best one on a million.Thanks for motivating me.
My oh my Jane you’re just the best one on a million.Thanks for motivating me.
thanks so much for this information need to wake up and do something for me………
just do it 🙂
Trainers are a great source of accountability and kudos for taking control on your life!
keep at it Sandra.
I am a nutrition coach and my weight loss program is nutrition based because i understand nutrition is 80% working out is 20%. Send me an email jane@janemukami.com and lets see if we can work together
yes it is 🙂
Good job 500 calories a day is no joke, but you can do it.
good job Janet and 70kg is very close
Thanks Jane I’m 40 yrs 150 cm tall 102cm waist and 84kgs I desperately need to shed 25kgs what do I do
The feeling one gets when they look in the mirror and are satisfied.
That feeling cannot be snatched by anyone
What is my why? This will keep me focused. Thanks
I lack consistence
its really a motivation thanks
Wow! Thanks Jane .
Hi, Jane it’s actually been long since I’ve done something just for me. Thanks I’ll take the challenge
great piece! feeling motivated already
Very motivating.i workout from mon-fri and at times its so hard.thanks to my training partner
Timely piece…..self drive is key in everything.its not eas but it can be done
Thanks jane , these is motivating. Yeah…its all about me myself and I, No matter the critics and discouragements I gotta get focused, committed and patience.
I want to shop ..need the vitamins. It’s not easy to get the link please make it visible? i.e easily accessible. Thank you
Hi, the link is janemukamistore.com
Regards,
Jane’s Support