Why do some people achieve their goals while others give up?
Understanding your type of motivation is critical to achieving your goals. Which is why Weight Watchers never worked for me. It all makes perfect sense now.
This super informative Lifehack post explains the 6 different types of motivation. And to be perfectly honest, I had no idea they existed until a few days ago. Yay Internet.
But now that I do, I plan to approach my goals in a completely different way.
Here’s a quick rundown of the six different motivation types (and how they might relate to weight loss):
1. Rewards/Incentive: You’re driven by the knowledge that you’ll receive an award or money or recognition for achieving your goal.
“I want to lose weight so I can win the Biggest Loser pool at work.”
“I want to lose weight so people will notice + compliment my body.”
2. Fear: Punishment or negative consequences motivate you.
“I want to lose weight because I don’t want to get diabetes or die of a heart attack.”
“I want to lose weight so it’s not so hard to walk up the stairs.”
3. Achievement: Similar to rewards/incentives, this form of motivation is driven by a desire to achieve + improve skills + prove your competency.
“I want to lose weight so I can prove that I can!”
“I want to lose weight so I can run a marathon.”
4. Growth: You’re motivated by self-improvement + a desire to increase knowledge + grow as an individual.
“I want to lose weight because I want to be continually bettering myself.”
5. Power: You’re motivated by a desire to affect others.
“I want to lose weight so I can be a role model for other people.”
6. Social: You’re motivated by a desire to belong + feel accepted.
“I want to lose weight in order to be accepted by society (or my fit friends).”
I’m 100% hands down motivated by growth. In fact, my weight loss journey began after reading a book about creating a more fulfilling life. I saw my weight loss journey as a path to improving myself – inside and out.
To sum it up…
- Know your type
- Design a plan accordingly
- Anything is possible!
XO ~Robyn