11 Tips to Motivate Yourself Into Action

 

8586517623_f8bbe57fd1_b
Photo credit: Gouda Mando on Flickr

Sometimes it feels so hard to act on our goals. We decide on Sunday night we want to be healthy and Monday morning the donuts in the breakroom look so enticing we forget about our goal and gobble one down. Or, we are standing in line at Starbucks and didn’t plan on buying the cookie to go along with our coffee. Here are some ideas from my favorite Registered Dietitian Nutritionists colleagues that you can use to self-coach yourself to motivate you into action and get closer to your goals. I asked them “How do you energize your clients to take action?”

Digna Cassens

 

 

I find out specifically why they are seeing me and always seek out their desired outcomes.     Digna Cassens • MHA • RDN

 

 

 

Georgia Kostkas

 

I ask what is the one thing they could get excited about trying this week? And which days will they do it? (could be exercise, a homemade meal or better food choice, or new habit to try, etc). That becomes their targeted behavior.     Georgia Kostas • MPH • RDN • LD

 

 

 

lynda binius enright

 

My clients are energized when they get results! When their food has been making them sick for years and they find the right foods that work for their body – not only does physical energy increase, but mental energy increases too! Once they see the benefits that making the best food choices has, they are always willing to continue taking action.     –Lynda Binius Enright • MS • RDN • LD • CLT

 

Beth Rosen

 

I empower them to determine what their next small change will be. Each time they see me, we set a goal for the next meeting. It could be small, like try one new fruit this week and eat it every day (even if it’s one blueberry), or something bigger like eating without distractions (leaving the television or putting down the phone is daunting to some). When they choose the goal, I have found that they are more likely to achieve.     Beth Rosen • MS • RD • CDN

 

 

 

marinane romano

I help them find their “why”. Why do they want to do something or achieve something? And I share with them that what they want has to have three key components: 1) It has to be physically satisfying, 2) It has to be emotionally satisfying and 3) It has to be spiritually satisfying. If you truly want something (or want to achieve something) it has to satisfy you in three ways. So for example – you might make money in your job and it satisfies you physically and emotionally but if you do not find a higher purpose in your work it might lack the spiritual component. Hence you are unhappy and might seek fulfillment finding a job that satisfies some higher purpose.     Marianne Romano • MPA • RDN

 

Miriam Erick

To motivate patients…I say… “We all have bad patches and don’t want to do anything.”   I’ve found that lying in bed, stewing… makes things worse.  It’s like all the negative energy stays in your head.  When you get out of bed, think of all that negative energy going southward… at least it makes your feet do some walking or moving.   That’s some progress.    A baby step is better than NO step.     Miriam Erick • MS • RDN

 

Mical Hogan

 

Fake enthusiasm (ha,ha,ha….) But, seriously, I try to figure out what energizes them and help them seek the goals they plan.     Michal Hogan • RD • LD

 

 

 

Rachael Hartley

 

 

By empowering them! There’s nothing more motivating than knowing you have the innate ability to create the life you want.     Rachael Hartley • RD • LD • CDE

 

 

 

Jenn Giles

 

I keep a close eye on them. I call/text/email regularly – not only to check in with them but to send positive energy and support. When they know someone has their best interest in mind they work harder to achieve their goals.     Jennifer O’Donnell-Giles • MS • RDN • CSSD

 

 

Barbara Spalding

I like to focus on the positive outcomes of action.  I’ll ask clients, “How will your life be better by making this positive lifestyle change?”  Usually, that’s enough to spark some action.I challenge them to pause and really think about what matters most to them.  Then, I encourage them to pick just one small thing to change, and we set goals and create some accountability to help support them in their journey.     Barbara Spalding • MA • MS • RDN • CDN