New Year’s Resolutions: Find Your Real Motivation and keep Them Going!

 I'm a guy in my early thirties experiencing the best physical condition of my life thanks to Musclehack, intelligent training and nutrition. Currently based in Japan and through necessity I'm really into cooking and healthy recipes. Recently I started the recipe site www.fitfastmeals.com. Additionally, I like to track my workout progress and thoughts on exercise and bodybuilding on my blog at www.flabbomb.com. Read more from this author

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As you can see. I've put on some considerable mass since those days.

Seeing as it’s the start of a new year I thought I’d share some thoughts and ideas on new year’s resolutions.

Most of us have made a new year’s resolution at some point in our lives. If we haven’t, I’ll bet my last dollar you’ve heard a friend or relative tell you that they’re going to “get in shape” this year, or something along those lines. I’m also willing to bet that you or your friend or relative has probably failed to live up to that promise that was so eagerly stated at the start of the year. It happens. We’re only human, but that shouldn’t be an excuse. We know that success is attainable. We see and hear about successful people all the time. We simply need to dig deeper into the topic of goal setting and ascertain what successful people do to reach their goals. It’s a big topic but one area that will enable almost instant results for everyone is motivation.

Over the holiday season I had a lot of time to read-up on the topic of motivation and goal setting. One of the reasons why so many of us let our new year’s resolutions fall away is because we often fail to understand that motivation isn’t permanent. My old favorite, Zig Ziglar, frequently says in his writings and talks that, “Motivation is not permanent, and neither is bathing, but I hope you’re as enthusiastic about showering regularly as I am.”  I think we can all agree that you can’t just shower once a month and expect to remain clean. The same goes for motivation. Our minds need a regular “mental shower” of motivation to keep us focused and goal oriented. Which brings me to my next point. What motivates you?

We’re all going to be different on this one, but I feel that I have a method that works and will work for anyone that I would like to share. My method of motivation is simple. It’s simply the theory that wherever you’re trying to go, you can’t do it all alone. Whether you’re trying to lose a few pounds, gain muscle, quit smoking etc, others will enter the fray. There will be times when you’ll need help and advice from others, and there will be times when you will be required to help and counsel others. It’s best to acknowledge this from the outset. It’s one of the reasons I share my thoughts and ideas on this site. Above all else it’s important to remember that your motivation cannot be purely selfish. I find it a lot easier to keep ploughing away at my goals when I know I am helping others and that I am also doing it for others. I’d like to illustrate this by sharing my personal method of motivation.

Just a few weeks ago my mother gave me a photo frame with two photos set inside as a Christmas present. Both photos were of myself as a baby of only a month or two old. One with my father, and the other with my grandfather. Now I loved my grandfather. I’ve been told that of all his many grandchildren he had a soft spot for me. That certainly made me feel special. As a kid I drew pictures, made things and showed off to my grandfather to get his recognition and praise. I looked up at this photo frame this morning and saw the picture of my grandfather holding a tiny version of me and was quickly reminded of why I do what I do. He poured a lot of his energy and attention into me when I was a child and I don’t want to let him, or any other member of my family, down. When I post another progress pic of myself, or break a personal best in my lifts, I want to imagine telling him and hearing him say, “Well done! I’m proud of you.” I’m certain that all my family are but the case of my grandfather serves me well.

As we begin 2012 with several new resolutions under our belts, try to keep some of these motivational tips in mind. Think of someone whom you could achieve your goals for. Approach them about it if possible. Think of someone who could help you achieve your goals. Finally, think of someone you can help reach their goals. Helping others will in-turn bring you help.

Good luck with your goals for 2012 everyone! Be they fitness or otherwise.

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