How many times do you feel like you are lacking the motivation to do the things that you know you need to do? How often do you want to eat healthy or workout or do something kind for yourself, but you just do not feel motivated?

I get this feeling. It is NORMAL, and it is okay. But I want to remind you that motivation is not the “thing” that allows you to do those things for yourself. So many times I have clients who tell me that they want to make progress, they have goals they want to work on, and they want to change bad habits, but they just do not have the motivation. This can feel hard and tricky, because it is hard to start something when you don’t FEEL like doing it, right? I’ve been there, and I still feel that way sometimes.

However, motivation is not some magical thing that allows us to make progress.

My biggest advice for people who do not feel motivated, is to just start. A lot of times we need some action or progress to start to feel that motivation. Most times people need to start and need to start feeling proud of the progress they are making BEFORE they start to feel motivated. That progress and pride fuels the motivation and CREATES the motivation to keep going. So, next time you are waiting for the motivation to kick in, just do something to get started, and the motivation will eventually show up!

I want to also remind you that it is really REALLY important to listen to your body. For example, if you really want to start working out or eating healthier, it is STILL important to listen to your body. There may be days when you need some comfort food. There may be days when you need to rest and not get as much movement.

You are still worthy of listening to your body, even when you’re working on creating different/healthy habits.

Sometimes this can be tricky to navigate. It can be hard to figure out if you just don’t feel motivated, or if your body really needs a break or really needs some chocolate.

In these situations, I want you to take time to evaluate how you’re really feeling. In regards to exercise, are you physically tired or mentally tired? If you’re physically tired, rest. If you’re mentally tired, do something calming and beneficial (ie. a walk or yoga). In regards to food, are you feeling worn out emotionally and wanting comfort food to cope or is your body craving a certain food? If you want to cope, find a healthier way to cope. If you are craving a food, eat it! In regards to doing something for yourself, are you putting it off because you don’t think you’re worthy or are you not doing it because you’re worn out and just want to rest? If you’re putting it off because you don’t think you deserve it, do the damn thing. Remember that you’re beautiful and worthy, and MAKE that time for yourself. If you’re tired, make the time to rest – that’s still doing something for yourself!

Remember, you are worthy. You deserve to have beautiful, healthy habits that make you feel good. You deserve to listen to your body. And you are not alone.

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