By Dr. John Peters
Co­founder and Metabolism and Behavior Change Expert at ManUPTM Health

Most people want to lose weight so they can look better and feel better. What we’ve discovered at the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center is that in order to sustain the behaviors necessary to lose weight one must identify the deeper purpose behind a desire to look or feel better. This deeper purpose or what some call their “mission” is the source of your motivation for sticking to a new set of behaviors when the going gets tough.

In order to identify your mission, you must start with the first question – “why do I want to be healthier?”. Then once you answer that question, ask yourself again “why is that important”. Then keep asking yourself “why is that important” until you cannot dig any deeper. This usually requires that you ask yourself the question many times before you uncover an answer that is the real reason you want to lose weight. It is usually something tied to your core values, and it is a motive that is strong enough to keep you from stopping at Dunkin’ Donuts on your way to work in the morning. It’s also typically a multi-week discovery exercise that our coaches at ManUP Health help guide you through.

What are common traits of a deeper purpose that can keep you motivated to live a healthier life?

  • It’s got to be so personal that you wouldn’t want to post it on Facebook for all your friends to see. Most people actually get a bit emotional when they discover this deeper purpose or life mission.
  • It must be everlasting. Your weight loss journey may start with a short term motive like being able to fit into your wedding tux, but to last a lifetime it is generally something that is core to your being, part of who you are or who you want to be.
  • It is something that usually requires self-reflection to realize.
  • It may often have a social component where by accomplishing your mission will enable better relationships with people.
  • You may already be investing time in other ways that are unrelated to health to help you accomplish your mission.

Once you identify this mission, keep it at the forefront of your thoughts on a regular basis. Remind yourself continuously of why you are on this journey to build a healthier lifestyle, and eventually you’ll experience how the healthier new you empowers you to better accomplish your mission that in turn will motivate you even more to continue on the path to living a healthier life.

 

Learn more about Dr. Peters here