As most of you have read, heard or just surmised on your own, keeping a positive image in your mind of where you are going and how you will look and feel when you get there is an important component to achieving your goals.

And a lot of times we forget, the ennui blocks it out or we just feel too down on ourselves and get caught up in negative self talk like we are never going to be cut, buff, lean, etc…

Yesterday I wasn’t having an easy time staying focused on the positive yet my workout had a surprising and amusing illumination. Towards the end of cardios when those high intensity intervals were wearing me out, I found myself with this inspiring visualization:

I pictured my fat – the goo on my stomach, butt, thighs, arms - the jiggly stuff that I hate the most as a little fat-coloured blob with cartoon stick legs trying to run away from me (so it can stay put instead of being exercized off). When I had to work the hardest (the high intensity interval), I was chasing that little goober down and everytime I caught up I kicked it in its little fat butt (and symbolically off my body and out of my life) – which sent it flying a few more steps out of reach so I pumped up the speed to catch and kick the little #!@$!& again.

Highly motivating and a great turn around to the depression I was feeling from looking at my profile in the mirror before I started my workout.

What sort of images do you keep in your mind to keep you on track or to pick yourself up when you just plain don’t feel like working out and/or eating clean?

Great anecdote! :tu: I am usually envisioning myself in a fight, blocking punches, getting in punches, working effortlessly. HA HA!!! But it works. It makes me realize I have to work harder to get to that point. I also have "pity party" down days as well.... GRRR

As Dr. Suess said "Unslumping yourself is not easily done."

I pictured my fat – the goo on my stomach, butt, thighs, arms - the jiggly stuff that I hate the most as a little fat-coloured blob with cartoon stick legs trying to run away from me (so it can stay put instead of being exercized off). When I had to work the hardest (the high intensity interval), I was chasing that little goober down and everytime I caught up I kicked it in its little fat butt (and symbolically off my body and out of my life) – which sent it flying a few more steps out of reach so I pumped up the speed to catch and kick the little #!@$!& again.



what a great imagination :nod: picturing that little blob with legs getting his butt kicked made me giggle :lol:

I just remember that I HAVE done this before and it is possible.. but not if I don't get my lazy ass out of bed and do it... once I'm at the gym and doing cardio or lifting weights I don't need the motivation because I like working out and it gives me a great pump that wakes me up for the rest of the day... it's the getting up that's the problem :p

oh and thanks for the vocab lesson :p I had to look up ennui :o :D :lol:

I just picture myself in the sluttiest lingerie on my honeymoon in Vegas. That keeps me focused. Mind you, I have always loved slutty lingerie. When I gained weight, I could not wear anything provocative for my future hubby and it was devastating.

Now that I am almost to goal, I lose my mind in clothing stores. It is so rewarding. Thank Gawd for capri pants and short jeans this year. Boxer girl knows what I am talking about...

Good analogy Polyphony

I don't visualize very much at all. I'm kind of like Tanisha/Chameleon in that I just need to get my butt out of bed, into my gym clothes, and off to the gym, because once I'm there, I am 100% focused.

There IS something very fascinating about seeing your muscles work when you lift weights, though. Heh...must be why they have mirrors everywhere on the weight floor.

With cardio, I am motivated just looking at the other human hamsters around me on the treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals. If someone is running near me, I imagine I'm trying to catch up or pass them. If people are just plodding along, I imagine myself running way ahead of them and leaving them in the dust. Mostly, I REFUSE to give up as long as there are people who might see me bail. ;)

human hampsters :lol: :lol: :lol:

You ladies rock.

The best motivation that i get when running out on the street is seeing other people i know also out running as well. Ya know i have to out run them :D