9 Hidden reasons to stay motivated

I originally posted this about 4 months ago..but It's worth posting again! :)

This was posted on SparkPeople.com by their staff writer Zach Van Hart. I'm passing it along since it's great advice!

Everyone tells us to stay motivated. Our friends, our co-workers, our relatives say to keep going, don't quit. Sometimes, though, you ask "Why? Why try my hardest when it ends in disappointment? Why go through something when it's going to hurt? Why?Because it's going to be different this time! Because you can't accomplish anything you give up on. Disappointments and Failures happen to everyone. The difference between those who reach their goals and those who don't is staying motivated. If you're motivated, you'll keep going. If you keep going, eventually you'll reach your goal.

Need more reasons? Here are 9 of our "hidden" reasons to stay motivated. Use one or all of them to keep the fire burning inside of you.

1. Confidence
How did it feel after that first jog around the block? Or when you finally walked the stairs at work without losing your breath? The more you accomplish, the more you'll believe in yourself!

2. Fit into that dress (my most recent goal..and I succeeded!)
It's been hanging up in your closet for two years now, just waiting to be thrown on for a night out on the town. All it takes is for you to go that extra mile and stay on track. Before you know it, those two years will be ancient history!

3. Make the week easier
Ever feel like a week is taking forever? It feels like Friday, but it's only Tuesday? This happens when you're not working toward a anything. When you have a goal in mind, you'll want to cook that healthy dinner or go to the gym. The week will not only go faster, but will be more enjoyable.

4. Gives you purpose
Every once in a while, we need a good reason to get out of bed. Here it is, right in front of you. Eat the healthy breakfast that's going to jumpstart your day, go for your morning jog, or walk to the end of the driveway and grab the newspaper. When you're motivated, you have reason to do what you do.

5. For your kids
And your grandkids. And their kids too. The healthier you are, the longer you'll be around to watch your kids grown, and to spoil your grandkids. They'll want you to be around as long as possible; consider this just another present.

6. Power of momentum
It's a scientific fact - Something in motion tends to stay in motion. Momentum builds quickly and can lead to great results. Suddenly, you're not only working for the goal, but also to keep your streak alive. Even more reason to reach your goal.

7. The "WOW" affect
Picture this: Walking into a restaurant, you run into someone from highschool, and their eyes light up. They gasp, "Wow! You look great!" By sticking with your goals, this can happen. Watch the "wow's" add up.

8. Spread the spark
When friends and family see how hard you're working, they'll wonder how they can reach their own goals. Guess who they're going to look to for help? By staying motivated, you'll not only help yourself, but others too.

9. Keep gaining experiance
The more you do, the more you will learn and understand. You'll discover which tactics work best for you and which ones don't. It's like weeding out the garden - not the most enjoyable job in the world, but when you're all done, all that's left are beautiful flowers. Keep sticking with it and soon it will all be beautiful flowers!

Till next time!
MJ