To achieve your goals, you need to stay committed to them. Committed, even though you may feel like you're not progressing, or you've had a setback, or you just don't feel like putting in the effort some days.
When it comes to our heath & fitness, lack of motivation is at the top of the list of challenges people face. For some, the hardest part of the workout is just making it to the gym.
Unless you have a powerful reason WHY you want to get in shape / lose weight, you're not going to: deprive yourself of your favorite foods and drinks; wake up 2 hours early in the dark and cold and drag yourself to the gym; exercise after you've had a long, tiring day of work. At least not for very long.
One big reason so many people don't achieve their fitness goals is that their goals aren't meaningful enough. Wanting to lose 15 pounds isn't enough to keep you going long-term. WHY do you want to lose 15 pounds? You need a meaningful reason to motivate you.
Is it to fit into clothes that will make you feel sexy? To look good at your reunion or your daughter's wedding? To feel confident at the beach in your bathing suit? To play with your kids without feeling winded?
These are goals you can visualize achieving. These are the things you need to focus on when you don't feel motivated to workout or when someone offers you a piece of cake. These are the things that will keep you going.
The same goes for professional or personal development goals. If you want a promotion but haven't identified why, you'll wind up getting tired of putting in long hours at the office—often at the expense of social events and family time.
Is it that you want to make more money? Again, ask yourself "Why?" Money alone isn't a strong enough motivator. This may surprise you, but it's not. What's important is what the money means to you.
Will more money mean you won't have to worry about paying for your child's college tuition? Will it mean you'll be able to replace your old car that's always breaking down? Or, buy a new house? Or, you'll be able to take your dream vacation? Those are motivating reasons to work late.
Think about your goals. Are they meaningful? Have you thought about your "Whys"?
Whatever your goals are, STAY FOCUSED on your "WHYs" and GO ACHIEVE THEM :)