We all are on an eternal quest for the ever-elusive motivation. Yes, it pops in here and there. But the damn thing never stays for long enough. You’ve got it! Crap, you’ve lost it again. That’s why New Year’s resolutions last about as long as fish left out on the counter.

How to find your motivation? (Because others’ motivation isn’t necessarily yours. Probably rarely is, actually.) Know your what.

What?? Know.YOUR.What. What motivates you? Why? I know what you just thought – duh, Cindy, if I knew that, I’d do it. Here’s what you have to do to find it:

Name what it is you wish you had more motivation around. Then start thinking (not asking, THINKING, folks — your own thinking) and coming up with ideas. What might motivate you more? How can do you that? What is something that could help you find motivation or get your evidence or whatever it is you need?

Examples:

What motivates me to move more? My FitBit helps. (Not whatsoever promoting FitBit vs. anything else. Lots of gadgets out there. If this might be your thing, find the one that you like best.) I like meeting a goal and being challenged. Plus awareness = doing. Plus I know I feel more energetic and happier and less stressed when I move more. All of that equals knowing my what. The other major what in that category is my dog, Linus. I can’t look at those puppy dog eyes without feeling guilty that I’m not out playing, walking, hiking, generally appreciating him! So guilt — yeah, that’s my extra motivation. 🙂

What motivates me to eat more real food? For me, more veggies = more energy and feeling healthier (no gas, bloating, fatigue and so on). It’s an easy choice then. I’m not totally fond of being gassy and tired. Doesn’t mean I’m perfect 24/7. I’m not. I’m not aiming to be. But, if I go far enough down that road, this is the thing that starts pulling me back. And, thankfully, my body seems to course correct and crave fresh foods vs. pizza.

Knowing your what is like the rubber band that starts snapping you back when you stretch it too far. You get to that edge, notice you’re losing your what, and you head back to wellness instead of going on to unwellness. What is powerful. What gives you motivation. What is your answer to stay on track.