I hear it all of the time, "I know what to do, I just can't do it!" Telling yourself why you should exercise doesn't motivate actually changing your habits. Imagining yourself being active and creating a very specific plan about how you can go play is the most effective way to start. Picture yourself enjoying the activity that you can successfully begin in your current life. Maybe taking a walk with a friend instead of going out for lunch, maybe asking your sweetie to take a walk after dinner, maybe asking a friend to join a dance class? Be highly intentional about making time for play and moving your body, put it on your calendar and keep it visible (use your gadgets and apps to help you remember!) Set achievable goals and then take note of your successes with a "how I took care of myself" journal. Skip the gym class "shoulds" and move straight to recess!!
" Behavior strategies include feedback, goal setting, self-monitoring, exercise prescription and stimulus or cues. Self-monitoring, any method where participants record and track their activity over time, appears to significantly increase awareness and provide motivation for improvement, Conn said."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217171342.htm
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