Do I know where you're coming from, or what? I managed to get the exercise/diet thing under control a few months ago, and am much happier for it. In terms of doing things to enhance my life, I know where I want to be, but manage to avoid doing anything about it. It is so foolish as well, because the longer you put it off the longer it will take you to get 'there', wherever or whatever 'there' may be.

Someone needs to develop a motivation pill - something which gives you a clear view of how great the final product will be. If only!

P.S. How's your son?

I see what you're saying, completely. Lately I've been thinking about it too and how I'm not motivated at all. Like floozie said, someone should develp a motivation pill. I mean they have a motivation pill to get you horny, right? lol

You're not alone. The advice I sometimes have to give myself is "just do it" As much as it may suck it'll be worth it, you know? Sometimes there's no other strategy than to just do it.

~Sarah

P.S. How's your son?

Thanks for asking.  He is back to his silly sweet self.  No more rash and no more fever.  Thank you modern medicine!

Boy, your comments do ring a bell for me. I too finally am working on the exercise issue. I just got the urge and started doing it. My motivator was taking part in the Self magazine's challenge which helped me to keep track and stay with my goal of just getting out there everyday and being active. I completed the goal, and guess what? It's working! I'm still doing it. The one thing I noticed is that exercising motivates you and keeps your mind alert and there's no time for depression. So, whatever you can do, just do it like Helix suggest. As for the other stuff, all that will come in time. Believe me, I'm working on those areas too. There's a lot in life that will make you feel down and as you say, perhaps you are in your comfort zone, and perhaps you are and that's ok too. Now that you know that you want to exercise and getting motivated to do it is hard. Just do this, stop talking about it, get moving. Start slow, and you will see how far you go.

Motivation can be tough to come by at times. I do have a suggestion that works for a lot of people if you care to read it.

Place a full-body photo of yourself, as you are now (and unhappy with) where you will see it as soon as you open your eyes in the morning. (Wall, ceiling, beside the lamp, whatever) Seeing the picture and feeling unhappy with the way you look may just give you the motivational "kick in the pants" to get on out of bed.

MasonM, what a great idea!  I just might have to try that one.  When I first wake up is when I really need it.

Thanks all for the great comments.  Glad to hear I am not alone and also glad to hear that some of you are winning the battle.

Jilluser... I know you're not asking for advice, but I'm going to throw in my two cents anyway.  The key to being successful with this kind of thing is to take small steps.  Remember that you can't do it all in one day, and you're not going to be able to realistically exercise 7 days a week. 

If you start keeping a log, that will help.  The picture idea that Mason mentioned will help.  If you make a deal with yourself that you're going to exercise at least X number of times per week that will help... basically what i'm getting at is that it's important to set small, short terms goals that will eventually work toward the larger one.  It's like teaching someone to do something new... you show them step by step how to do it and then let them try...

Sit down and outline your steps, and then start taking the baby ones to get things going... before you know it you'll be progressing by leaps and bounds, and you'll reach the long term goal without even thinking so much about it. 

Lifestyle changes are best made in small increments

It's no surprise that you find reasons not to exercise. Exercising is hard, and it is not fun. Even if it is at first, the novelty wears off.

A good friend of mine has lost about 70 lbs over the past 9 months. She got a personal trainer, who really kick her butt in gear. But, at the same time, she's become obsessed with losing weight and her appearance. She no longer enjoys food.

It's always a good idea to have a buddy to work out with - someone to help motivate you when you don't feel up to it. The girls at work and I used to exercise on our lunch breaks together. Now, my room mate and I work out together, we have a membership at the same gym. Unfortunately, we can tempt each other as well - it only takes for one of us to mention Dairy Queen and we're washing down our work out with Blizzards!!

it only takes for one of us to mention Dairy Queen and we're washing down our work out with Blizzards!!

I know how that can go

All good advice guys.  MJ, small increments is a good idea.  I get overwhelmed when I think of the total amount I want to lose.

Thanks all.

Someone needs to develop a motivation pill

It's called COFFEE!

MJ's right.  You didn't get to where you're at now overnight, so you shouldn't expect to get to where you want to be overnight either.  Doing it bit by bit is the best way.

Once you find some form of exercise that you enjoy it won't seem like such a chore to get out of bed to do it.  You just have to find out what you like to do!

How much do you want to lose?

Thanks for the wise advice Dharma.  I have lost about 15 and want to lose about 30 more.   It has been slow going but people keep telling me "The slower it goes off, the more likely it will stay off".  I sure hope they are right!

I finally got my bike and tailor!  I have to put the trailor together and maybe I will start biking as my exercise.  I haven't been on a bike in about 17yrs.  I had a nasty accident when I was about 16.  I still have gravel coming out of my elbow occassionally!

I will just have to resist biking to the Dairy Queen that is only about a mile away

I am mostly trying to concentrate on eating more fresh produce and drinking lots of water.  Seems to be working.  I am a chocoholic also.  That is a big hurtle for me.  I know if I just have a little once in a while I will be fine.  It is controling the intake once I start that is the problem especially once a month (if you know what I mean).

I haven't hauled my butt out early all week but I have been outside all day the last couple of days.  Being outside in the heat makes me drink more water and really curbs my appetite.  I thinking being in the AC causes me to eat more.

I crouched for a couple of hours planting my annual bed on Sat and it really made my butt and thighs hurt!  Either I used muscles that don't usually get used or I am just so out of shape that anything will make me hurt

Well MJ, I have a fitness center membership (Lifetime Fitness).  It is fun to take the kids to the pool.  I did take the kids to the daycare they provide and worked out for a while but found it was stressful.  I couldn't distract myself with music or TV because I had to keep my ears alert in case they had to call me on the intercom when something happened with one of the kids (which has happened a few times).

Whether it is going to the gym, going outside or working out at home, the key is just doing it.  I have to make it a priority rather than making excuses.  Easier said than done consistently.  I often start the week well and go right down the tubes quickly.  Getting motivated and staying that way, that is my quest.