What’s your motivation?

This past winter my family and I went skiing on several occasions. We have a 7 year old and a (almost) 5 year old, so skiing as a family these last few years has meant a lot of pizza’ing down the mountain, lifting, dragging, twisting, turning, aside from just the regular workout skiing tends to be. We work hard to make it fun for the kids so that skiing can become a fun family winter activity as they grow up. Coming away from these winter weekends I noticed that I would have a little soreness in my shoulders, but nothing bad, and not even a little tiredness in my legs. It made me think about how thankful I am to be able to do these things, and how important fitness is to my everyday life.

Skiing with my 4 year old

I often think about these things and my own motivations for being active like I am - what are my goals, why do I do the things that I do? As someone whose work and passion is to help draw goals and motivation out of others, I find it of particular interest to think about what makes me so drawn toward an active lifestyle. I find I have a few primary reasons that have remained consistent.

First, I like being able to have adventures and try new things without risk of hurting myself or wondering if I will be able to do it. I want to be able to continue doing this, and keeping up with my kids as I get older. Skiing this winter reinforced this goal for me.

I also want to look and feel my best. This means different things to different people, but for me, I know I am happier when I am strong and in good cardiovascular shape. I will be honest - I like to look in the mirror and see the muscles I have worked hard to build. That doesn’t mean I am obsessive over how I eat or exercise, and I am not always perfect, but I work hard to be strong and generally healthy.

One thing I’ve learned since having my family is that, for my own health and well-being, I need to have an activity and an identity that is outside of work and family. I found this especially important when everything shut down and there really wasn’t more to life than work and family. To manage my stress and anxiety I needed to focus on a goal – first it was just working out and building strength - then it turned into studying to become a personal trainer so I could build my own programs and help others achieve their goals! Having something to focus on and set goals for has helped keep me sane and happy - which in turn helps keep my family sane and happy.

Finally, I find it fun and exciting to challenge myself in new ways!

If you read my previous blog about focusing on your strengths rather than your weaknesses, you will know that I have struggled with self-image over the years. I have come to the place where I do the things that bring me joy, give me strength and set me up to continue doing the activities I love with the people I love.

So much of success in this journey is consistency (not perfection!), which is so much easier when you know your motivation, your “why”. If you are not sure what that is for you, I’m here for you – let’s find your motivation!