Let me share a little secret – I am lazy. I much prefer sitting at my desk or lounging on my sofa versus getting up and doing anything, whether it is cleaning the house, running errands or going for a walk. I can motivate myself to read or to write a post each day, but my motivation ends there. I tend to live for deadlines, and when there is not one in existence, I flounder. This applies to every aspect of my life.
What has this lack of motivation allowed me to accomplish? An extra thirty pounds, an entire wardrobe that doesn’t fit, slight depression, a body I’m embarrassed to show anyone and the potential for health problems. Yikes.
It’s not that the desire to get off my rear is not there. I can envision me crossing the finish line of a long race. Jim is even willing to run one with me. Yet, I can never turn that vision into action. Something “better” always comes along – whether it is a hectic schedule, illness, business travel, or the like. I am great at coming up with reasons to avoid putting on my running shoes and going outside. It is a serious problem.
So what’s the big deal? Aren’t I in sync with a majority of America? The question is – do I really want to be? The answer is no. I do not like how I look or how I feel. Jim is training for a marathon and has already run two half-marathons, while I…I feel like a slug. Yet, no amount of sluggishness appears to get me off my butt.
Why am I writing this? My goal is to be brutally honest with my readers and, by proxy, with myself. I know what to do to slim down and get in shape. I choose not to adopt those habits though because I never feel as if I am held accountable for them, and I need to be held accountable for me to be successful. This is where you come in. Starting today, I will be posting regular updates on the amount of exercise I have managed to achieve, whether it is walking or jogging. I intend to train for a 5K race and will be researching them to pick one as an end goal. In addition, I will be sharing any weight loss, eating behaviors and anything else that impacts my overall health. My goal is that by posting this in such a public forum, my readers will hold me accountable. When I struggle, I’m hoping my Internet friends (and family members who read but never respond) will push me and cheer me through the hard times. Entitled Motivate Me, I am motivating myself and hoping that all my readers will motivate me as well.
So, here goes. As of today, I weigh an embarrassing 162.2 pounds. I have managed to avoid exercise this entire week and have tended to overeat at least one meal every day. This ends today. I refuse to adopt a formal weight loss plan, but I do plan to adopt a sensible plan of smaller portion sizes and more fruits and vegetables. I plan to start (again) the Couch to 5K program tonight. It’s time to get healthy.
Your story is so inspiring and I will be coming back to it frequently whenever I question why I am doing this or whenever I need a pick-me-up. Thank you so much for sharing it. It means more than any words of cheer!
Thanks, Heather! I figure going public will keep me accountable because people will always wonder how I am doing. I don't like to appear a quitter any more than I like the way that I am now. We'll see if my thought process is enough to get me through my normal quitting point!
I don't have any 5k plans yet, although I do know I should go sign up for one to make the end goal more tangible. My Couch to 5k program involves actual music and prompts so no audiobooks, but on the days that I walk, I'll be sure to utilize them!
We actually got rid of our treadmill a few years ago and dropped our gym membership a year ago. I'm doing this strictly by running outside, which should be a double challenge with the winter months all but here. I have a tendency to get shin splints, so I will definitely be listening to my body. As for what I like, I just need to convince myself I like to exercise. That's the biggest key for me right now. Thanks for your support!
Thanks, Natasha! I can give up 30 minutes of reading time, right? Especially if it means a better quality of living in the end. At least, that's what I'm telling myself!
Thanks, Lisa! Have those pom-pons ready, as I know I'll need them in a week or two!
Thanks, Caitie! Going to the gym proved to be even more difficult than strapping on my running shoes and going outside to at least walk. We'll see how I feel in a month when the winter temperatures are truly underway.
Thanks, Amy! I'm here to motivate others as much as myself. In the end, getting healthy can benefit us all.
Thanks, Lu! I know I will definitely need the support, especially as we head into the winter months and I am forced to run in the snow and sleet and bitter cold. I also have a tendency to quit around week three, so I'm hoping you guys will keep me going!
I think most of us bibliophiles are lazy. Why exercise when we could be reading? Going public was the only way I was going to stay on task because I don't like to be proven a failure even more than I am lazy. LOL!
It is almost scary how quickly weight gain can sneak up on a person. I welcome anyone who wants to try this out with me!! We can support each other!
I’ll be happy to motivate you and to join you. I started my own weight loss regimen two weeks ago. I’ve gained 13 pounds since I got married 12 years ago; my clothes no longer fit, I feel fat and lousy. I consistently exercise – at least 3 times a week and enjoy it, but my eating habits are horrible. Two weeks ago, I was talking to one of my aerobics instructors, who is also a dietician, about my diet. She advised me to eat a bigger salad for lunch and to add a protein. This week in class when of my friends asked how I did last week. I was a little surprised; she’s making me be accountable. I said okay, but it wasn’t truthful. I had added a bigger salad to my lunch, but wasn’t able to resist the Halloween candy left in the lunch room. So I decided this is it, if I have to be accountable I need to take this seriously. Today I was down .05 lbs for the week. (Part 1)
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(Part 2)
Also, I hurt my shoulder recently in one of my exercise classes, so I’m pretty sure I will need to skip my classes and work out on machines next week. I will hate it, but I can’t risk screwing up my shoulder. A couple of exercise tips are to listen to your body and don’t over do it. Find something you like. You might like listening to audio books while on the treadmill. Good luck. I’m proud of your for running today.
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Go Michelle! You can do it! I definitely understand finding things to do except exercise.
Good luck – I know what it is like to be lazy, my husband and I haven't been at the gym for a month. We nee d to get motivated too. Best of luck with it! You can do it!
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Very admirable, and good luck! I am SO with you. I can motivate myself to do almost anything, except exercise. I just don't do anything and it's not good for my health at all. I wish you best of luck, and hopefully you will help to motivate me.
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You go, Michelle! I am also totally lazy, and I have a hard time getting started on things like this so I commend you for going public and asking for accountability.
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I think it is very admirable that you decided to post this. I am in a similar situation (although for me it is more like a first time of gaining weight while I used to be slim) and it is annoying me so much. I always vow to start eating healthier tomorrow and start exercising, but it never works out. So maybe your brutal honesty will help me get motivated as well?