What's Driving You?

We all want to be healthier, but why? What's our real purpose? Even the strongest resolve can collapse if you're trying to change for someone else—get thinner for a spouse, quit smoking for a nagging mother, exercise because you're supposed to.

To really get to the root of your “real” motivating driver ask yourself some questions that will help you to dig deep past the surface reasons and into intention.

Write down your thoughts and ponder on them. This exercise is to shine a light on what you need in order to feel fulfilled. If you don't make time for what matters to you, how can others value your importance?

1. Who am I? How do I think of myself? What are my strengths and weaknesses?

2. Who do I want to be?

3. Why am I here? Why am I important? What is my mission?

4. What am I missing? The time to read a book? A close friendship?

5. What's my motivation for wanting to improve my food and exercise habits? If it's to look better, do I expect favorable results to bring love?

6. Am I afraid of making changes or of taking risks (quitting a boring job, getting out of a bad relationship)? Do I fear failure or the responsibility that could come with success? Could I embrace change instead as an adventure?

7. What has stopped me from keeping resolutions in the past? Is the obstacle (or obstacles) still present in my life? If so, how will I navigate it this time?

8. When I'm tempted to wander off track, what could I say to myself, or do, to stick with the original plan?

9. How can I build in support for myself? Ask a friend to be a health buddy? Join a walking club?

10. What am I doing in my life that's hurting me? Smoking? Drinking too much? Letting work interfere with relationships?

11. What are the sources of joy I need to feel whole?

12. Am I happy?

If you don't have the energy to make changes now, ask yourself these questions again in a month or two. And consider that in order to part with what has become habit or routine, you may simply need to take a leap of faith.

So what's driving you to do more, to grow, to be better and climb higher?