Table of Contents

From the Author      
Forward    
Introduction                                                

Part One: What If?         
 1   If I had only known...    
 2   Reality bites     
 3   Facing the music    

Part Two: Why Now?
 4   Pay me now or pay me later!    
 5   Avoiding the ER!    

Part Three: When to Make a Move?
 6   Why wait?    
 7   There are no more options    

Part Four:  What’s Next?
 8    Denial to desires    

Part Five:  How Far?
 9    Fear runner to pleasure seeker    
10   A change of heart                       
11   Effortless benefits    

Part Six:  What For?
12   Now you know                          

Bones “Inside-Out “– The Book 

 

                                                                     Chapter 9

                                    Fear Runner to Pleasure  Seeker


How are you motivated? How far will you let this go? What will it take to get you started? What will keep you going in the down times? No matter how hard you try or how many self-help books you buy, you just can't seem to get or stay motivated.  Why?

Most people really think they are motivated, and they may very well be, in the short term, but for most, the gas eventually runs out. Two main emotions push people to exercise: fear and/or pleasure.   It's important to know how you are motivated in order to keep on track for the long haul. Connecting the mind and body with your spirit makes all the difference in the world and that connection really is the most important aspect of any successful fitness program.

Fear Runners

Fear is the most powerful motivator that pushes people to do things that they normally may not every think of doing. You may get motivated to exercise because you are afraid of the consequences of aging, getting a disease, developing cancer, or even dying. You run from the reality. If this is how YOU are motivated, you are a Fear Runner.

Fear can be a very powerful force to get things accomplished  or do nothing at all. Being motivated by fear is OK in the short term, but sooner or later, it’s not very rewarding to the soul. What do you do when something doesn’t satisfy? You quit doing it and turn to something else?. 

Most individuals start exercise programs out of fear, but in the end the benefits must outweigh the fear in order to be fulfilled. Getting started is good - staying motivated by the benefits of better health is even better.

Pleasure Seekers

Let’s be real - exercise can hurt and most of the time is uncomfortable, at best. However, you feel rejuvenated, stronger, more confident, and healthier after you’ve done it. You receive emotional pleasure. Striving to seek pleasure through exercise can be much more motivating and enlightening in the end.  

Fear Runner to a Pleasure Seeker

The goal is to sustain your motivation for the long term and to develop a lifestyle that reflects good health. It should also be a goal to make it more fun, turning your motivation from fear into motivation from pleasure. In a perfect world, what works well is to have a small amount of motivational fear (not take life for granted) and a lot of motivation from pleasure (wanting so badly to feel better).

For example, you might be motivated because you fear your blood pressure will get too high, but you’re also motivated by how much better you feel after you exercise - both fear and pleasure motivations. Whatever the combination may be, make sure fear is not the dominating emotion in the end. Being motivated by pleasure will take you much further toward your goal of being healthier.

A Change of  Desire

How do I know what my desire to exercise is? Having a heartfelt desire is much more powerful than being motivated. The desire fuels the motives and usually comes from two emotional sources: extrinsic or intrinsic.

Outside or Extrinsic Desires

Having a flat stomach, thin hips, lean muscular arms and a physically fit look are big motivators. These are great in the short-term, but these aren't what you want your overall rewards to be.  If your main desire is to look better and improve your outward appearance, it probably means you're headed for disappointment due to aging.
     
Inside or Intrinsic Desires

The desire to exercise needs to come from inside your body - your reasons should be centered on lowering your blood pressure, leveling cholesterol, getting more energy, losing excess weight, and toning up. Having internal desires to exercise and eat better will prove more rewarding in the long-term.

A Change of Heart

A change in attitude takes place for most people in their forties - reality sets in. We want to look 25 again, but we know deep down those years are gone. What you need is a change of heart!

Your thought process must change from external to internal. In other words, start focusing on the bigger picture. Concentrate on better energy levels and the body’s vital signs such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and body fat measurements. 
  

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