I have received many questions about how I stay motivated. There is no one thing that I do. I use many different methods, because I face many different challenges. I have pictures downloaded on my computer, they are set up to flip through as my screen saver. I also have one that stays visible, because it is set as the wallpaper. I have downloaded many pictures with motivational quotes saved in a file on my phone as well. When I am out and need a boost or I am craving junk food, I immediately pull it up and start reading the quotes on those pictures. I have a motivational calendar where I mark down what exercise I did each day. Here is my calendar for last month:
I keep motivational pictures taped up all over my house. This one is on the cabinet door in my kitchen that I have to open every time I get a plate:
I listen to motivational music. I have set up play lists on my phone, computer and have CDs in my car that get me going. Obviously, the music that motivates you may be completely different from what motivates me. Keeping it handy is the point.
I also watch many motivational clips on Youtube. I bookmarked and saved them to my channel for easy accessibility. I will be doing a post of nothing but motivational Youtube clips. Until then, here is one of my go-to videos. These two women are my heroes. They truly demonstrate what the human spirit can overcome. In case you are unaware, an Ironman competition is 140.6 miles of running, biking and swimming that must be completed in less that 17 hours (all in one day). These are the last few moments of that race for these women.
I have a collection of uplifting and informative books. Most of them have absolutely nothing to do with running or exercising. I will also be putting up a post with my favorite books that lift my spirit and give me the courage to push forward. If you need one immediately, then Born to Run is a fascinating, inspirational and true story that deals with running/exercising. It has already sold over 3 million copies. I have lost count of how many times I have read it.
I have a collection of motivational movies that I frequently watch. As with everything else I have talked about, movies are a personal preference. The majority of my favorite motivational movies are documentaries that can be found on the internet and Netflix.
The point of all this is simply to say that I do many things to stay motivated. Having bipolar disorder coupled with an anxiety disorder means that I have to stay out in front of things. I have to do all of these things because they help me to stay on track, and when I do get off track they help me get back on.
Just as there is no silver bullet cure for mental illnesses, I have found that, for me, there is no silver bullet for getting and staying motivated.
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As always, I wish you wonderful mental health and great successes at eating healthy meals. If you, or someone you love, is severely depressed or anxious, please click the link to the right and you will be directed to the International Association for Suicide Prevention. It is a great resource, and is staffed by wonderful people.
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