Self-Motivation :Struggling to Exercise

Structure and accountability
are the keys when trying to
establish an exercise routine.

Structuring exercise is the how,
what, when, and where of your exercise program. Accountability is answering to someone or something if you don’t follow through. (Mutual support from an
exercise buddy is a good example.)

Accountability gets you past the “I-don’t-feel-like-doing-this” hump.
Stick with it, however, and before long the next phase kicks in—emotional reasons to keep exercising.

Acquire strong enough reasons and almost anything is possible. So, here’s a tip: Read about the “16 desires of life” first formulated by professor of psychology and
psychiatry, Steven Reiss (easily found online).

Reiss believes almost all these desires are inherent to humans. You’re hardwired for them. They include independence, acceptance, idealism, social contact, and
tranquility. How many can you link to your reasons for exercising? Write them down and feel a new desire to exercise.

From November 2009 Newsletter

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