Don’t Ask How…Ask Why

Written by Tricia Kelly

In my previous job, before co-hosting the Morning Show on the Light, I was an exercise specialist within our local hospital system. I really enjoyed that job. I loved encouraging people to try exercise. It was very satisfying to see another person begin to enjoy and appreciate the benefits of exercise. In fact, a few years ago, I told my co-workers that the only job for which I would leave the hospital would be that as Morning Show co-host on the Light radio station. And here I am! But, I have not lost the love for encouraging exercise.

Having worked professionally in the fitness field, I found that people assumed several things about me. They assumed that I always ate a healthy diet (which I don’t!). They assumed that I avoided caffeine (which is just plain funny!). And people especially assumed that it is always easy for me to get myself to exercise. Well, that is certainly not the case! I frequently don’t want to exercise. I don’t feel like it! I am often tired. I feel like there is a lot “on my plate,” on my mind, and I don’t have 30 minutes to get the ol’ heart rate into the training zone.

But I do it anyway. Faithfully. I exercise five times a week… every week…even on vacation.

Patients used to ask me, “How do you do that?” But, I have found that the helpful question is not “how” but “why.” Ask me, “Why, do you exercise?”

• I exercise to cope with stress.
• I exercise to increase my energy.
• I exercise, because I am a better wife and mother when I do.

I am sure and concrete on my reasons why I exercise, and I dwell on those reasons. I want those results so much that it overwhelms my current state of fatigue or disinterest. The results of having exercised mean more to me that the results from relaxing a little more on the couch, or sleeping a little later, or getting on the computer.  When I take the time to really understand why I exercise, it becomes my how. There is my motivation.

I think there is a misconception that “motivation” is something some people just naturally have and others don’t. I have heard statements that make it sound like you can catch motivation like a cold and if you aren’t blessed with it, too bad. But, motivation must be cultivated and fed. It is true for all of us.

If you are trying to engage in exercise and are feeling less than motivated, think about the “why.” Clarify the why you should exercise and dwell on it. That just might be the key to growing your “how.”