Motivation/Inspiration: What drives you?

[Just_G]

<-------Also burnt and having a hard time finding motivation!

I attempted to play pro tackle football and went to all the training camps until I hurt the posterior tibial tendon in the arch of my left foot. I was on such a roll with practice and was working on getting back in to shape...it was hard work, but with the motivation of the team, I was doing it. I wanted so badly to feel like I am a part of something.

Here I am 6 months later, my foot still bothers me, even after weeks of physical therapy. I cannot run without it flaring up, then I feel like I am back to square one.

I am trying to find a bike that I can afford and use as often as possible. I am wanting to do shorter rides on weeknights, then get with friends on Saturday mornings to go for longer rides.

I was feeling pretty down the last month or so and changed my diet to juicing 2 of my 3 meals and eating right at night. That did bring my energy level up signifigantly, but motivation to exercise was lacking. Then, I watched a video of athletes that are missing limbs or are handicap, and I thought to myself; what the fuck am I whining about? Pain in my foot after I exercise? Come on G!! I am thankful I still have all of my limbs, and I am thankful I have the ability to go out and do things that a lot of people cannot do.

I often wonder why I get in these ruts of LOM (lack of motivation)...I just have to push through it and drag my ass out of the house and enjoy my life...but I can't enjoy it from the recliner while whining about my foot!! It won't get better until I strengthen it.

Great thread Linus!! I do wish I lived closer to butch/trans community so I had some people to work out with and help in the motivation department!

[Linus]

So I was doing a little searching this evening (my office has a light that's gone out so no old fashioned writing tonight) and found this suggestion from one blog in regards to getting motivation back:

Read about it daily. When I lose motivation, I just read a book or blog about my goal. It inspires me and reinvigorates me. For some reason, reading helps motivate and focus you on whatever you’re reading about. So read about your goal every day, if you can, especially when you’re not feeling motivated.

I remember when I was at the height of my cycling that was in fact what I was doing: reading about how to lose weight, how to improve my cycling form, etc. I've been trying to get into that habit for running instead as I may try that for a bit (since it'll be easier for me when I'm on the road).

I know one thing I have that I'm trying to alleviate: too many things going on. Over the next few weeks one major project will be done and that will probably help. I found that actually scheduling my time to meet with a fitness trainer was the only way I could get some basic fitness in place. I need to push more beyond that.

Quote for the day:

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.
Chinese Proverb

[Hollylane]

Like Corkey, fear is a motivator for me.

My fear is based on the fact that if I don't get up and do these things today, I might not have that opportunity tomorrow.

Serious health issues have made me miss a lot of my life over the past few years, and it is uncertain whether some of them will return or not.

I'm not going to claim that I am always on top of my game. Right now, I am lacking motivation. I think it is because I can't do the physical activities I really want to do (still recovering from a recent umbilical hernia repair), but the reality is that I am slacking. There are other activities I could be doing to remain active in the meantime, so that I am prepared to do the things I really enjoy again when I am able.

I don't want to miss any more of my life because of lack of motivation. I have a bucket list, and I have things I am going to do. So, there are things I need to do every day to make these things possible. Having been inactive for a number of years, I have a lot of physical catching up to do.

The truth is, I am very proud of what I have accomplished physically and emotionally in the past year and some change. I have regained a lot of my strength and determination, and have participated in things I have been longing to do for years, and some that I have never done. But today, I could use some motivation tools and tips too.

I like this thread Linus. Just hearing from other people, and seeing my own words here feels motivating.

Read about it daily. When I lose motivation, I just read a book or blog about my goal. It inspires me and reinvigorates me. For some reason, reading helps motivate and focus you on whatever you’re reading about. So read about your goal every day, if you can, especially when you’re not feeling motivated.

And I really like the suggestion above. I actually do that now, when I need motivation for writing poetry. So, now I will make an effort to do it for all of the other things I plan to accomplish/experience.

[Bella~Vita]

After I lost my Mother in 2008 it became very hard to motivate. I keep telling myself my Mom wouldn't want me to become stagnate. I remember her saying surround yourself with positive people where you can learn new things.

I'm slacking right now, I joined the gym and for the past 2 weeks I have not gone. I hate doing things as of sort alone. So I kick myself in gear and joined and went alone. Yay, I faced my fear, but I retreated as my friend would say.

After talking with this person who has great strength and character and constantly doing his homework, I felt inspired. So now everyday I will try my best and do 1 thing positive in my life.

Hmmm, just got an idea ..... for a thread let's see if this can help us people . Can I get some feed back on the title? This is a positive thing, where we can be accountable for our goals.


~Kat~

[Linus]

@Kat_FL: Maybe something like "Being Held Positively Accountable" or something like that? To me it's not the title that's critical, it's the content.


Speaking of which, I got up earlier today with the intention to run. I didn't run but I did stay up -- which is one step closer than I was. I choose healthier options last night for dinner and feel somewhat hungrier for it. Maybe even getting into a better routine will help. At the least, it's given me a bit more time to work on the book. I have a couple of minor things to deal with first before I continue writing today.

Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back. -- Babe Ruth

Seems rather apropos for the start of my day.

[girl_dee]

Sometimes we are being steered in a certain direction and we don't see it, or get why...

[Linus]

Well, I still haven't given up. I'm waking up earlier to do a bit more. I still didn't go running and I've managed to twist a muscle in my neck but at least I have about 3 chapters ready for the editor today so that's good. I'm reviewing them this morning and then doing other stuff after my workout with my trainer. And maybe I'll take the puppies out on a longer walk this afternoon in place of the run (I do quick speed walks with them as they need to lose a few pounds as well).

Quote of the day:

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle -- Albert Einstein