I’ve worked with a few people recently that said they were lacking motivation. This is actually a great coaching topic because the answer can only come from within. No one can make you motivated. However, our perceptions can be molded through study and contemplation. We can be inspired by others. I went looking for individuals that had successfully motivated themselves to achieve great things with regard to adopting a healthier lifestyle. I found a few stories that could help you change the way you look at your own challenges.

First, there’s Eli Sapharti. In his own words, Eli made a journey from FAT Boy to FIT Man. He lost 110 pounds to be in the best shape of his life in his 40s. He has now devoted his life to helping others do the same.  Next, I learned about Rick Wyckoff who is “Constructing a New Rick” on Facebook. Rick struggled with obesity since childhood. Now, this mild-mannered but driven individual is recording his weightloss and engaging others to join him in a very active community he has built on Facebook. Finally, I discovered Nathan MacDonald, the Fotographing Fat Kid. Nathan is documenting his “epic battle” to lose weight in a simple but informative blog. (He’s always wanted one, now he has one.)

What do these three men have in common? They all developed a very clear vision of where they wanted to go and why they were going there. I’m guessing the “how” and “when” may have sometimes still been very valid questions, but you get a sense from their writing that they no longer question their destination.

How can their stories help you? Simply follow their lead. If it isn’t already cemented in your brain, consider the change you need to make to reach a healthier lifestyle. What will the change provide? How will it make your life better? Who else is involved? (Maybe you’re “doing this for the kids.”) What are the costs if you don’t change?

Other questions will start popping up too. “What if I fail?” is, unfortunately, pretty popular. Well, I’d come right back with a follow-up question…“What if you succeed?”

Photo credit: mariachily / Foter.com / CC BY-SA