Developing the drive for excercise - By Nathan Solia
Why is it that when it comes to exercise some of us are aroused and others repulsed? Why is it that motivation comes effortless to some while others have to undertake serious soul searching to get started – and even if they do it- is short lasting?
The answer to this question lies in understanding the difference between motivation and drive. Distinguishing between the two provides a framework for making a long-lasting commitment to exercise.
Motivation versus Drive
Motivation is something you have to strive for - it is a conscious attempt. Therein lies the problem; you have to ‘think’ about it and since thoughts are fickle, so is motivation. Drive on the other hand is something that you don’t have to work at – you just naturally gravitate towards it. When you are driven you cannot help but go for it. So the obvious question is” How do you develop drive?”
The home of motivation and drive
Motivation is a conscious endeavour; it involves the thinking part of our brain that is referred to as the neocortex. Conversely, neurophysiologists have identified the site in your brain responsible for our drive as part of the subconscious called the limbic system. It is the limbic system that decides when to go hard or when to give up. Scientists have learnt that if our limbic system is positively stimulated you become driven; if it is not, you don’t budge.
What is interesting is that the brain researchers have found that the limbic system is responsible not only for our drive, but also our feelings. In fact, biomedical textbooks refer to the limbic system as the ‘emotional brain’. And since it is responsible for both these functions by linking them together, it provides us with the key to unlocking our drive.
Essentially, the things you are driven towards are always a response to a feeling. Why don’t you exercise even when you know you should? Because you don’t feel like it! Indeed, apathy is really a state of emotional blankness. Conversely, drive is a direct result of heightened feelings, where the stronger the feeling, the more driven you are to act.
Get emotional!
The bottom line is, that to experience long lasting behaviour change, you need to get emotional about behaviour in order to make an ongoing commitment to exercise, you need to go beyond merely thinking that you should to feeling that you must.
One strategy to help execute this is to write down all the positive feelings you will experience when you follow through on an exercise program. Reflect on what it would feel like to lose those extra kilos and be able to fit into the clothes you desire; or how wonderful you will feel when you have better fitness levels and more energy to do the things you want to do. Immerse yourself in the emotions you’ll have when people tell you how fantastic you look.
Next, record all the negative emotions you will experience if you don’t follow through. Remember, the greater emotional intensity the more you are driven. Generally, painful thoughts are the more powerful movers; you more driven to avoid pain than gain pleasure, so you really need to be graphic and creative, especially on the second list.
Once written, the lists should be regularly and emotionally felt, as each item is considered.
Believe and achieve
Feelings are important in determining our drive, but what determines the way you feel about something? The answer is our beliefs. Our beliefs act as a way you feel in any situation. Beliefs drive behaviour.
Of course we hold different beliefs and this explains why we all have different approaches to things like exercise. Importantly, our beliefs can either serve us or do us a disservice.
Identifying the beliefs that drive our behaviours can take some digging, but it is well worth the effort. Sometimes people hold a core belief that will ‘always be fat and unfit’, but they’re not actually consciously aware of it.
Exposing beliefs that do not empower and replacing them with ones that do, is a crucial step towards prompting our limbic system into action and developing a drive for exercise.
Conclusion
Often our lives, we know what to do but just don’t do what we know; for many, exercise is one such area. The secret to following though and achieving our health and fitness goals lies in not only motivated, but driven. Only by feeling the benefits will you be transformed from a couch potato into someone who prizes regular activity.
Belief Drives Behaviour!
What do you believe about exercise? How you view the statements below will have a tremendous effect on how driven you are to exercise:
Exercise = hard work + pain + sweat + discomfort.
Exercise is fine for those what are naturally fit.
Everyone should exercise if they have the time left over at the end of the day.
Prioritising time for exercise each day is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Ten Biggest Lies about losing weight;
Develop the Drive For Excercise,
Weighttraining not just for Men
