An intrinsically motivated person will have a process orientation instead of fixating only on the outcome. They find joy in the journey and in the process of becoming a new self.
An extrinsically motivated person will be fixated on the number of the scale and mainly focused on the end goal. Because of this, they often don’t do the inner work that would lead them to long lasting results. Because they are so focused on the goal, they get frustrated easily, and are very impatient.
They want to get to that end goal as soon as possible! This leads them to try extreme diets that promise to quickly get the weight off. Unfortunately, because they haven’t done the inner work, they put the weight back on just as quickly.
So what are your reasons for weight loss? Are they intrinsic or extrinsic?
If you’re wanting to lose weight to look good or please others, it will be hard to maintain your motivation and your results won’t be long lasting.
The best reason to lose weight and get fit, or overcome emotional eating is because you want to feel better. You also want to be more by becoming the best version of yourself.
Telling yourself you have to, you should, you need to lose weight, isn’t very motivating. You need to WANT TO for yourself, because you WANT MORE for yourself. You want to return to the aliveness you were born with. It’s your birthright.
When you combine your desire and commitment to be more, with the willingness to take action, you will become unstoppable!
How Can You Become More Intrinsically Motivated?
- Focus on how your new behaviors make you feel. Find exercise that makes you feel good and that you enjoy doing. Notice how eating better gives you more energy. Learn to enjoy cooking and eating healthy meals.
- Surround yourself with like-minded people. Join an exercise class or gym.
- Set small, frequent goals for yourself. This way you create small wins and get a frequent feeling of satisfaction. Make sure you celebrate these small victories.
- Become your own coach and cheerleader. Change your critical self- talk to inner talk that is supportive, and encouraging.
- Change your definition of success. Instead of just pound lost, focus on how you’re becoming a better person. Notice how your relationship with food is changing. Celebrate that you’re becoming a fitter person. Enjoy the increase in self-esteem that comes from self-mastery. This will bring lasting
satisfaction.
