Help! I’ve Lost My Motivation: Getting Back on Track

Posted April 23, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Jeanie Callen Barat

Section: In The News, His Fitness, Cardio Training, Strength Training, His Health, Physical Health, Lifestyle Health, His Inspiration, Success Stories

The Fitness Jeanie, Jeanie Callen Barat is creator of the “Get-Me-Off-My-Butt, Does-The-Thinking-For-Me, Anytime-Anywhere Workout of the Month.” Get private access to your free workout with The Fitness Jeanie now at www.TheFitnessJeanie.com.

I get lots of questions in my “Ask The Fitness Jeanie” inbox. This one I received yesterday sparked particular interest in me, and I thought you might benefit from the answer I shared.

Question: “I have lost motivation.  I just can’t say “no” to the snacks, the carbs, the sweets, the extra helping, the 9pm dinner.  I know that my eating habits are counterproductive but I just don’t seem to have the willpower.  I hear that little voice in the back of my head saying “it is OK, you worked out today.” But, I know that (a) I’m not working out enough to “justify” the poor food choice and (b) a poor food choice is a poor food choice, regardless of whether or not I worked out. Do you have any suggestions for how to get me back on track?”

Answer: Thank you for your great question. This is something that I feel better qualified to answer after my further study of spirituality and integrating a holistic approach with my clients. What you are experiencing is very common. Self sabotage is one of the biggest reasons for setbacks and for plateaus in personal health, along with many other areas of our life. So, first acknowledge that you aren’t doing anything wrong, but that you are in fact dealing with a common trait to everyone. Yours just happens to manifest as it relates to food. My suggestion three years ago would have been to write down your food or pre-write out your plan of what you will eat for the day and then stick to it.

However, that is only using the energy of willpower. Willpower is one of our lower energy forms, which is why it only lasts as long as we have a big event or something pressing on us. But, what happens when you don’t have that force outside lurking over you is that you turn back to that old pattern that was programmed. This “going back to old ways” doesn’t just happen as it relates to food or exercise. It can be smoking or negative self-talk or you name it.

What can you do? Unfortunately, I can’t tell you do x, y and z and it will all go away. Instead, what I suggest is that you spend some time trying to figure out what “you need.” You might be saying “What? What kind of advice is that?” Let me give you an example.

I’ve been in this flow state of visualizing what I want, taking action and then moving forward with confidence. Everything seemed to be working easily and effortlessly. I did a 30-day detox and felt even more connected in this flow state and felt lighter than ever. I was saying to myself, “wow, all of this spiritual practice and meditation really works.”

Then, I started pressing to get more done and working more hours. All the sudden, like a light switch, I started not wanting to eat healthy. I wanted sweets. I started not wanting to do anything. I wanted others around to just do it. Why do I have to do everything? I didn’t even want to return phone calls or emails, even though I thrive on helping and serving others. I didn’t want to go outside. I didn’t want to have to be seen in public or wear anything nice.

How can I be experiencing this? Even though I’m a motivator I don’t feel motivated. How un-authentic is that?

So, I went to my coach and she said, “Jeanie, what do you really need?” After some self exploration, it all came back to rest and relaxation. I had been pushing so hard that a part of me that needs to rest and relax was rebelling.

I know this all sounds a bit “woo woo” if you don’t have a lot of experience with ego and the different layers of self. But, here’s what I can offer to you. The reason you are having those urges is because there is a part of you that needs something.

Ask yourself in quiet time what need the food is fulfilling. Is it comfort? Is it love? Is it control? Once you’ve discovered what that need is, you can find other ways to fulfill it and then, you can help make better choices again.For me, my need was rest. So, even though I have 20 things on my “to do” list, I’m just going to rest. What can really happen with a few days off?

If you found it to be love or comfort or certainty, then decide how else you can get that by means other than food. It won’t go away after the first time, but it should make it easier once you start to notice.

Of course, I would also try to support you as much as possible by keeping healthy choices around and pre-planning meals and snacks and having them readily available. But, again, forgive yourself if you enjoy a treat now and then.

Remember that we all have a part of us that is self sabotaging, whether through food or something else. I encourage you to go deeper and discover the real need.

The Fitness Jeanie, Jeanie Callen Barat is creator of the “Get-Me-Off-My-Butt, Does-The-Thinking-For-Me, Anytime-Anywhere Workout of the Month.” Get private access to your free workout with The Fitness Jeanie now at www.TheFitnessJeanie.com.