I actually don’t think I have ONE big motivation only.. I have a lot of them: an inner desire to be fit and healthy for all my life, not wanting to be a part of modern societys statistics with overweight people and people who die of heart disease, wanting to be fitter, leaner and meaner than the people around me and maybe even being an inspiration for some of them to change, my wanting to be a nutrionist, strenght and or/fitness coach when I grow up (only 18 y old now, what would be compared to a junior in the US) with either a private clinic or working for some high level/ranked sportsclub somewhere around the world..
Even though it might be “confusing” to someone that I have so many motivations, I’ve found that they add up to a powerful combination together with my iron will and concrete determination..
Today was Movie Day—a day in which I do nothing but watch movies, and I try to have one at least once a month.
You see, I love movies :-)
And today, perhaps to rekindle my inner child, I spent 91 minutes watching a movie that I literally watched every day for an entire summer when I was 12 years old: Rocky IV.
Now, you may not agree with me that Rocky IV is one of the best movies of all time, but if you’re a Rocky fan at all, you’ve GOT to agree that it’s the absolute best out of all the Rockies (and there will be time to debate that later if you don’t :-)
I mean, what a great story, right? Rocky, avenging his best friend Apollo’s death by defeating the highly-favored, monstrous Russian on his own turf in Russia−even for someone who’s seen it 79 times like me, it’s pretty intense stuff.
But apart from that, even if you somehow didn’t care for the movie (and I can’t imagine how), Rocky IV can still teach you something extremely valuable and applicable to you and your own goals.
And that is, the raw power of motivation.
Let’s be honest, if Rocky had gone in to fight the Drago prior to Apollo or at any other time, under any other circumstances, he would have got his butt handed to him. The dude was a monster, and had Rocky outmatched in every possible way.
But because Rocky had something extremely powerful to motivate him (the fact that this guy killed his best friend), he was able to seemingly defeat some crazy odds and emerge victorious.
Let me ask you a question: What’s YOUR motivation? What is it that gets you up in the morning and over to the gym before work when everyone else is sleeping in?
What is it that allows you to regularly pass up the quick and easy (and frankly, delicious) foods that so many others regularly indulge in?
Do you have a REAL source of motivation? If you don’t, it’s highly likely you’re going to get “knocked out” by all the temptation and “easy ways out” that surround us on a daily basis.
Let’s face it, it’s a heck of a lot easier to eat whatever, whenever, and skip the whole workout thing then it is to live a fit, healthy lifestyle.
You absolutely have to have a very powerful source of motivation, because without one, your toast.
So do you have a source of motivation that keeps you going strong toward your goals each and every day? What is it?
Reaffirm it by posting it in the comments section below to start today off with renewed focus (and if you don’t value your “reason” enough to post it below, it’s probably safe to say that you don’t really have one).
Talk to you in the comments section!
Joel
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James
exactly how I would have rated them spot on mate
Phil
My motivation is to loose the fat and get back in shape. I like all the Rocky movies and yes I think #IV is the best.
My motivation is to make the fight team @ my kickboxing studio. We have a rep. for being the best, so I need to be in my best shape; which can’t happen until i’ve shed some unwanted body fat. It’s the only thing keeping me from grabbing a bag of crackers right now instead of cottage cheese!!
Rocky IV was the first Rocky movie I saw, and perhaps it spoiled me for the others because I haven’t had an interest in watching them! I too am inspired to exercise when I think of Rocky’s training in that movie. Another one that inspires me is ‘Coolangatta Gold’ – don’t know if ya’ll have seen that one (Aussie film). Younger brother training to beat his older brother, and he runs up a mountain every day and goes a bit further each time until he conquers the mountain.
My best motivation to lose weight has come when I’ve been a bridesmaid – those photos last forever. I’ve struggled to find another motivation that keeps me strong and focused. Does anybody need a bridesmaid?????
I love the Rocky films. As much as i think Rocky IV is brill, but i feel that the order they came out (Rocky 1,2,3,4,5,6)is the order i would go for. As with any legacy there must be a beginning, and it is here we first noticed Rocky and began to follow his journey.(Well i certainly did). As for my motivation, they come in small packages, my two boys(1 year&11months and 9months). I want to become someone they look up to. Unfortunatley all my free time is all theirs, and find it hard to make time to train. But with the new year approaching i am going to ring about afew changes to my lifestyle and make a genuine attempt to put things in to perspective. Good luck to all, and have a merry xmas.
My children are my number ONE motivation– trying to be a good role model and give them the example I NEVER got. Secondary is my desire to “beat the odds”. I am tired of hearing “as you get older it gets harder to lose it”, “it’s hormones and they make it very difficult” — and more! The fact is at 42 I am in the BEST shape of my life. I am highly motivated to get even better and continue this for my family and for me!
Hi Joel, I cannot lose 5 kilos which has been bugging me for years. Now I have heaps of stuff from you and others there should be no excuse. I really do not want to put any more weight because getting older looks awful fatter. Bye, Dorothy
Im a big fan of all the rocky films,, I agree that Rocky IV is the most motivating because it wasnt only a physical fight, but also a mental fight, and rocky had to fight his own demons and even put his life in danger to avenge his best friends death.
What i personally do for my motivation is to put the list of my goals and a nice picture of me and my girlfriend right next to the alarm clock, and also another copy of the list of my goals and a different picture of me and my girlfriend in the kitchen. It really inspires me.
Joel, thank you for all the great information and advice, because even with the highest possible motivation, if you lack the knowledge, half the battle is lost.
Cheers
Yeah, that’s right, Rocky IV can teach us a lot. I was trying to get into shape many years but I actually ended up sick for 5 months because of really unhealthy life style. Now, my motivation isn’t to look good or be the superstar .. It is to feel FIT and HEALTHY. I focus on these two words – fit and healthy, fit and healthy. It means a lot to me. Good motivation works :-) So go for it and find it!
Hi Joel,
I don’t have a motivation. All my dear ones (family and friends) keep telling me that I look good this way. So I really cannot understand what to make my motivation as. Please let me know if you can suggest something :)
Thanks,
Ats
My Motivation is My HEALTH AND FITNESS IS A PASSION.I am also in th Public eye being a Singer/Performer and a FREELANCE PR AGENT.So it all pretty much goes hand in hand.Lastly i want to push myself out of my Comfort zone which i am in right now and get a CHISELED BODY people keep telling me i WILL NEVER HAVE…..I WILL
Hi Joel, thanks for making me think about it. I was happy to read and get inspiration from the others who’ve written before me – until the last couple lines on not really having a reason hit home.
I am my motivation – I do it for me. To feel good now, for the way I WILL feel and for a long, strong future.
Thanks again
Funny thing is I never really thought what motivates me I just got on and did it like when I gave up smoking it was to ensure my sporting capability didn’t decrease with age. Don’t get me wrong I was never a star at any sport but I could play several to a reasonable standard. As my kids grew up they both were completely natural athletes and it became harder to stay competitive with them. They are both in their 20s and all I need to do is think of my father when I was in my 20s. He was in his 50s and was old! I have no intention of falling into that trap. Even now when I play either of them they know they have had to work to beat me. I suppose what this has told me is that competition is my motivating factor and it keeps me going when the people around me are saying” just skip the gym today” or “have another beer it won’t hurt.” Thanks Joel you made me think about it for the first time.
My motivation is to have a flat tummy. People say that I have to accept that I can’t lose the fat after having babies but I don’t believe them and I refuse to believe them. I know I can change. I know I haven’t put in enough effort before but I’m motivated now and I truly believe I’ll reach my goal.
Health and longivity are my motifiers! I need to get well and fit again after facing my own immortality last year. I have two beautiful daughters I want to see grow into confident, happy women! plus I’d love to look and feel smashing again.
My motivation since I started CYWT has been the cheat days. They have really helped me to keep on track and not reach for the extras. Since I’ve been able to do this I have been motivated even further because I can see my goal is within reach and this time I will reach it!
Great flick, I haven’t seen it in a while, now you make me want to watch it again.
My motivation is my 12 yr old son, who is my life. Phase 1 took place 6 months ago when I finally quit smoking after he begged me for years to stop. Well with that came an additional 25 lbs on top of an already 25lbs of excess weight. Now we are on Phase 2 that started 2 weeks ago!! No turning back!
And I love the Rocky movies as does my son. I love the training part o the movie, it is so motivating !!
It is 5:30 a.m. in Minneapolis and I am on my way to the gym before my 7:30 a.m. meeting. We have 8″ of snow and its blowing and the temp is 10 degrees. The warm bed sounds great, but like Nicky, it is my two grand babies (6 months and 4 1/2 months) that keep me motivated. IT was their births that got me off my butt to lose the first 50# and it is their lives that keep me going in every day to improve myself so I am here to see their children get married …
I gotta get to the gym!!!!!!!!!!
I want to set an example for my four children. They are high school/college age right now and have always been athletes. I want them to see that fitness and health are lifetime commitments. I can only do that by example…sometimes I’m not always a good example, but I try. They are my motivation…plus, there’s no feeling quite like being fit and having good control over your body…physically as well as mentally!
@Joy –
hi Joy,
i feel what your saying. i too struggle sometimes to find motivation. somtimes i have it when im in love and the person im with inspires me to want to start looking my best, sometimes it’s my own vision of how i aspire to be, i get the motivation by visualising my best body in my mind and also remembering the times that i looked and felt my best whether that be in my tight fitting jeans or figure hugging dress that shows my flat as a pancake abs lol. The thing is sometimes the motivation wears off and you find yourself not sticking to the goal and it’s back to square one again. motivation and visualisation is an exercies in itself. it’s a constant awareness that is at times difficult to hold onto but when you find yourself losing focus you must trigger yourself in your mind to remember what and why it is you want to look the way you want to feel. have i confused you? it really is basically a awareness and then finding healthier ways to substitute what may make you feel good. dont ever deny yourself anything.
My motivation for going to the gym and eating healthy is first to be healthy, but second to look good. I like the idea of someday being able to show a little skin when I go dancing, or maybe being brave enough to buy a bikini knowing I’d be able to pull it off. Also, being single and keeping an eye out for the right guy, I feel that what I want in a man I should first see in myself. Smarts and humor and morals aside, if I want a good-looking boyfriend with a six pack, odds are he’ll want a good-looking girlfriend with a nice flat stomach. Slightly vain, yes, but at least I’m honest.
Well joel my two little girls are a big part of it but also I went to a seminar at a health screening and the dr. Speaking talked about risk factors that in his words If was exhibiting would gaurentee me a minor heart attack or stroke in 5-8 yrs so wanting to retire and enjoy my children and a new life is the most powerful motivation that had ever slapped me in the face and that’s my story
My motivation is that i have always had one word in my mind that i want to sum up my physique…….’POWERFUL’. This one word motivates me to wake up at the crack of dawn and hit the gym, and to have a tangerine instead of a candy bar.
I have that word and that ideal physique planted in my mind constantly, and its a strange yet effective motivator.
Nothing tastes as good as slim feels!
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