DISCOVER HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED!

You read wonderfully inspiring stories and you feel it is the right time, and that you are in the right place and space to make your lifestyle change. That is fantastic, but take heed - regardless of how inspired and on track you are at the moment, there will be times when your motivation is challenged.When this happens (and it will happen), it is important to understand that you are a person and not a machine - it is normal to have ups and downs. Your journey to Reduce Your Size will be challenging at times but that is expected and okay - so long as you don't get bogged down or give up (because that would be really terrible!)Being prepared is your key to survival, so here are some practical tips which will help you get through the challenges and stay on track if (or rather, when) they happen.Motivation Tip #1: READ YOUR MOTIVATION GUIDE OFTENThis seemingly humble piece of paper contains your deepest pains and greatest aspirations of your greatest goals. It should be by your bed, pinned up on your notice board, even behind the toilet door (!), so long as it is handy and you read it regularly. Being reminded of these personal thoughts and feelings will definitely help fight off little temptations when they come your way.Would munching on a cupcake for 48 seconds of instant gratification really be worth the compromise of your greatest goals in life? Keep true to yourself.Nothing tastes as good as feeling great feels!Motivation Tip #2: KNOW AND BELIEVE THAT REAL SUCCESS TAKES TIMEImpound into your regular thinking that 'Rome wasn't built in a day'. Every brick (no matter how small or insignificant) mattered in its construction.Every time you opt for a multigrain slice of toast with a small amount of butter and some natural honey on it (in place of a crumpet oozing margarine and chocolate spread) is a brick in the construction of your new you.Each time you comfort yourself with a hot bath or treat yourself with the purchase of a new shirt instead of extra helping(s) of ice cream/ cake/ chocolate are big bricks in your construction of health and happiness.When you choose to transport yourself via a flight of 10 stairs instead of an elevator, or you choose to go for a 5 minute walk around the block rather than nothing at all on those days when even getting out of bed is an effort, you are building up your bricks!It is the very many everyday little choices (bricks) that when combined or looked at in their entirety will produce your new you and new life (the one you want to be and will be proud of).Rome wasn't built in a day...!Motivation Tip #3: CREATE BACK UP PLANSSome days you just won't feel like going for a walk. The simple thought of putting on suitable clothing, opening up the front door and stepping out into the big wide world and strutting around the streets/ park/ fields is just not an appealing thought. Even though you know that it would make you feel so much better, you just can't seem to do it.For such times, give yourself these small, step by step instructions (do each one at a time)."Get up out of my chair and walk to my bedroom... I can do that!""Now that I am here, I can put on a comfortable pair of walking shoes (don't worry about the rest of the exercise outfit today)... I can do that!""Go to my front door and open it, then just take a step out, then another and go to my letterbox... I can do that!""Now that I have come this far, it doesn't seem so difficult to just go a little further... to go for a walk around the block/ park or across the field.""Wow, now I am doing it, and now that I am out here getting some fresh air and my body is moving I know I can do the recommended RYS walk!""Yay - I really can do it!!!"This little strategy is a ripper - it works every time! So don't get uptight if you don't always feel motivated to go walking. Help yourself by simply taking it step by step.Step by step is the way to go!Motivation Tip #4 : STAY INSPIRED!Reading or listening to other people's stories gives you the faith that your aspirations of a new you are really possible. They also give you the knowledge that your struggles, challenges and doubts are normal, but more importantly that they are able to be overcome. People just like you have been there, done it and succeeded. And you are next!Other ways to keep yourself inspired are to put up your own inspirational messages so that you see them every day. For example, write down a few of RYS Angel's quotes, or quotes from this section of the RYS program on separate pieces of paper, and stick them up around your home/ office/ or workplace. Another great idea is to insert a positive quote into your mobile phone as the welcoming message display, or as a screen saver on your computer. There are many great little ways to make your self smile and feel inspired each and every day!With patience and persistence I can achieve anything I desire!