Gday,
We’ve all been there—waking up with the best intentions to eat well, exercise, and take care of ourselves, only to feel completely unmotivated by the end of the day. Life gets busy, stress creeps in, and before we know it, those healthy habits start slipping. Rest assured I’ve been there and over the years have found that making change means doing it early so nothing can get in my way. Bike season is about to start and I too have moments when I ask whether I should just delay it which needless to say is not the best attitude.
So how do we stay committed even when we don’t feel like making the effort? The answer lies in finding your WHY.
Your WHY is the deep, personal reason you want to improve your health. It’s what keeps you going on the days when motivation is nowhere to be found. This week, we’re going to dig deep and explore how to harness your WHY as a powerful tool for lasting change.
Understanding Your WHY
It’s easy to say, “I want to be healthier,” but why? What does health mean to you? Your WHY should be something personal and meaningful. Maybe it’s:
- Being active and present for your loved ones.
- Feeling strong and confident in your body.
- Reducing the risk of chronic illness.
- Having more energy to enjoy life to the fullest.
When you connect to a reason that truly matters to you, making healthy choices becomes easier—even when motivation is low.
Harnessing Your WHY on Tough Days
When you don’t feel like putting in the effort, here’s how to reconnect with your WHY:
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Visualize the Future You
Close your eyes and imagine yourself six months or a year from now, living the life you want. How do you feel? What has changed? Use this as motivation to take action today. -
Make It Personal
Instead of saying, “I need to eat healthier,” try, “I want to nourish my body so I can feel energized and strong.” The shift in language makes a difference. -
Write It Down
Keep your WHY somewhere visible—a sticky note on your mirror, a journal entry, or even a daily phone reminder. Seeing it regularly reinforces your commitment. -
Start Small
If you’re feeling unmotivated, commit to just one small action. Maybe it’s drinking an extra glass of water or going for a 5-minute walk. Small wins build momentum.
Weekly Recipe: Energizing Green Smoothie
This smoothie is packed with nutrients to give you the energy and clarity you need to keep pushing toward your WHY.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 banana
- 1 handful spinach
- ½ avocado
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy your dose of energy!
Product Comparison: Tools to Keep Your WHY Front and Center
- The Five-Minute Journal
- Pros: Encourages daily reflection and goal-setting.
- Cons: Requires daily commitment to journaling.
- Best For: Those who like structured reflection.
- Vision Board Kit
- Pros: Helps you create a visual reminder of your WHY.
- Cons: Requires time to set up initially.
- Best For: Creative thinkers who love visualization.
- Habit Tracking App (e.g., Habitica, Streaks)
- Pros: Tracks small wins and keeps you accountable.
- Cons: Digital-based, so may not work for everyone.
- Best For: Tech-savvy users who love gamification.
Actionable Tip: Your WHY Statement
Take five minutes today to write down your personal WHY. Keep it somewhere visible and remind yourself of it when you feel unmotivated.
Conclusion
Your WHY is your most powerful tool in building a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. When motivation fades, it’s what keeps you going. So, dig deep, define your reason, and let it guide you every step of the way.