Yesterday I realized that in order for me to achieve my health and fitness goals, I needed more than a goal (ideal weight) I needed a very strong WHY. I’m not obese or out of shape; however, I am an athlete who gets in the way of herself with excuses for not consistently performing or giving her best during every training session. I needed to discover a reason for me to get to my goal weight by March 31^st.The trainer and my husband were trying to think of something that could be taken away from me (eating at my favorite Mexican restaurant, not being able to read books, or write) if I didn’t hit my ideal weight; but none of these things mattered, as they were either not that important to me OR impossible to cut out for current commitments to others. So the trainer asked me, “well…what don’t you like to do?” and without much thought or effort I blurted out, “I don’t like spending money if I don’t have to.” So then it hit me and I suggested, “how about if I’m not at my target weight by March 31^st our personal training session fee for the rest of the year will increase 10%?”

Guess who had a grilled chicken salad for dinner last night?

The morale of the story…people are motivated by very different things; however, one thing that is consistent for everyone to understand in order to accelerate change of actions and or behaviors is that three letter word – WHY.

Tap into your why power, have the discipline to do the work, and with enough patience you will see the fruits of the compound effect in action.