Motivation, the Right Way

How do you successfully maintain a healthy lifestyle from now until the day you die?

Motivation is one of the biggest factors. Motivation can be internal and external.

While both internal and external motivation can be effective, strong internal motivation creates a very solid foundation to support longterm adherence to a healthy lifestyle (Mossman et al, 2022). External motivation, on the other hand, can be a bit shaky.

Just think about it like this: which list seems more powerful to you?

External:

“My doctor wants me to lose weight.”

“I want my friends to compliment me on my weight loss.”

“I want to look skinnier in photos.”

Internal:

“I feel so much better and more energetic when I work out and eat well.”

“I want to improve my self-discipline.”

“I want to be physically independent as late into my life as possible.”

External motivation can be effective, but it’s very hard to rely on.

Social standards change.

Friends change.

Lighting changes.

Style changes.

You need to find your internal motivators in order to succeed long term with your health.

As we read the Bible, most passages with a direct relation to our physical health have something to do with internal motivation (read 1 Tim 4:8, Romans 7:14-25, and Hebrews 12:7-13 if ya don’t believe me). The Bible called it first, science is finally now catching up. Lol. :)

Keep seeking after the Christ-likeness that comes through mastering your body.

Focus less on the looks.

That will help you live a healthy lifestyle till the day you die.

~ Michael

P.S. If you don’t know where to start, click here to get our 7 Day Holy + Healthy Devotional that covers all things internal motivation for your health, including purpose, self-discipline, and trusting God!