As my workout, get in shape, gym saga continues, a recurring question from friends revolves around how they can get started. The questions vary, but the heart of each remains the same. How do I get started? What do you do to stay motivated? What will it take to get in shape? I do not think I could be disciplined; what do you do to go as much as you do?
As I reflect on the questions, I find myself coming back to s singular answer; Search, find, and embrace whatever it is that motivates you. In my opinion, old school, new school, cross fitness, and rotating routines can work. While the fit with personality is important, at the heart of exercising is the question of motivation. If one does not have it, the likelihood of staying with an exercise program is very low. If one has it, everything changes!
In the past I have struggled with motivation. When I was young, it was a desire to do what others said I could not do. Running, squash, and good eating were means to an end. Nothing could deter me from my goal. Once accomplished, I struggled to rediscover my motivation. Fast forward two plus decades. I discovered that I was motivated and put a plan in place. While there are days where I struggle, on the whole motivation is here, pushing, supporting, and encouraging.
As I reflect on the struggle and what has changed, I see the importance of motivation. Doing something, anything, without reasons that one’s heart embraces can protect one’s self but it is incredibly hard to keep it going. I listen to wisdom across the ages and see that it is true for others. If one sees the ups and downs in David’s life in the context of his motivation within, “I’ve hung on you from the day of my birth, the day you took me from the cradle; I’ll never run out of praise,” (Psalm 71.6) one finds a similar model. He knew his motivation. I want to discover more of mine.
