Motivation

 Seems like I do pretty good with goals initially and then, given time, my resistance wears down, and I find myself slipping back into old habits.  I came across the following quote one day a few weeks ago on Pinterest (the great quote capitol of the world?).  It made sense.  I printed it and put next to my computer screen where I can see it every day:

"It will hurt.

It will take time.

It will require dedication.

It will require willpower.

You will need to make healthy decisions.

It requires sacrifice.

You will push your body to its max.

There will be temptation. 

But, I promise you, when 

you reach your goal, it's

worth it."

Somehow, reading this every day has helped me get back on track with my weight loss attempt.  Not saying I didn't gain over Thanksgiving.  I did.  And enjoyed every bite.  However, I'm back in the saddle and working again at taking off some vacation and holiday pounds that never should have come on.  

I know the quote is in reference to preparing for something physical like a marathon.   But it really can apply to any goal or challenge we face in life.

This morning I watched this video (it's short) where Elder Russell M. Nelson tells about a near death experience he had and how he reacted to the thought he would die shortly.  

Elder Nelson's experience

In it he talks about overcoming fear.  But his comments below refer to all goals, all efforts to change:

"Be patient with yourself.  Perfection comes not in this life but in the next life.  Don't demand things that are unreasonable, but DEMAND OF YOURSELF IMPROVEMENT.  As you let the Lord help you through that, He will make the difference."  (emphasis added)

I love that comment:  "demand of yourself improvement."   Perfection may be unreasonable given the human nature of man, but improvement, on the other hand, is possible for all of us. 

Have a happy day - 

an "improving" kind of day -

today!

(View of sky from our front porch on Thanksgiving morning)