No Sweat

Motivation

Emotion trumps logic. This is true for all areas of self-improvement. The goals of getting more exercise, losing weight and improving their health may briefly rev people up, but they fail to motivate anyone over an extended period. Motivating people to start diets or exercise programs is easy; getting them to continue is tough. Instead, take on enjoyable, fun activities that physically energize you and that will motivate with a positive feeling you can sustain over the long run. Building good health is a strategic pursuit with a long-term reward, yet that alone seldom excites people long enough for them to achieve that pay-off. Having fun, on the other hand, is a good motivator once you find an activity you like and give yourself permission to enjoy it.

The “Successful Cycle of Motivation”

The fact that someone might have a heart attack in two or three decades does little to inspire that person to get up early to go for a long run. Having fun provides motivation that can last a lifetime.

A successful cycle of motivation depends on choosing a physical activity for the “Right Whys.” Having a good time provides “immediate positive feedback.” People...