We are used to thinking about motivation as something we need to “jump start,” like an engine on a cold day.
But I want to give you a different metaphor for thinking about motivation: as a flavorant that influences how exercise “tastes” to you.
The Wikipedia definition (insert link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavor) of flavor states that it “is the sensory impression of a food or other substance.”
It goes on to say that: “the flavor of the food, as such, can be altered with flavorants.” A flavorant is “a substance that gives another substance flavor, altering the characteristics, causing it to become sweet, sour, tangy, etc.”
The type of motivation we have is like a flavorant because it alters our perception about and experience with exercising (and other behaviors), like it alters our taste of food.
If you think you “should” exercise because it’s “the right thing to do” (Aren’t we supposed to be doing everything we can to be “healhty” and svelte?!”), this motivational flavorant will likely convert your perception and experience of exercising into a chore. Yuk. Want to make time for that? I didn’t think so.
On the flip side, if you think you should exercise or want to exercise because it feels important to your self-care or quality of life this flavorant will likely lead you to consider exercise as a gift you can give yourself. Now were talking…
Consider this: You can decide to move in any way you darn well please. Why not toss out all of the “shoulds” so you can become the decision maker? Why don’t you determine how, and why, to move your body?
Have you ever changed how exercise “tastes” after changing your mindset (i.e., flavorant)?