Make it Personal

In order to not only be motivated, but also stay motivated, you must discover and establish a solid reason for doing so. This reason (or reasons) must be your own. They must be personal to you, otherwise you will most likely quit down the line. The reason might be health related, greater self-esteem and confidence, remaining physically active as you age, and so on.

I feel I have only just now discovered my reason. Initially it was weight loss, which then turned into overall fitness, which then turned into wanting better health. But now I have found what keeps me motivated is the need for feeling happier, naturally, without relying on external influences. 

I have suffered from mild to medium (and occasionally severe) depression and anxiety for over 15 years. It comes and it goes. At times, I am completely depleted of dopamine and feel extremely down. This happens more often if I am not regularly working out or have skipped a few days of exercise. However, when I am exercising, I am always on a high during those days.

I suppose this chemical balance that causes depression and anxiety is a blessing and not a curse. Like those who get high off an adrenaline rush, which motivates them to push themselves, I must exercise to remain happy, thanks to endorphins. This need drives me. In the gym. When I need to push that final rep, to complete that last kilometer.

I know I will never stop, because I have been to the dark empty pit that saps my will, my focus, my happiness; and I never want to go there again. Exercise keeps me up here. Hence, you must discover what really drives you for doing what you're doing, regardless of what drives others. Make it personal.

In a speech to university students, Arnold Schwarzenegger said: "What is most important is that you have to dig deep down; dig deep down, and ask yourselves: 'Who do you want to be. Not what, but who. I'm talking about not what your parents or teachers want you to be, but you. I'm talking about figuring out for yourself, what makes you happy, no matter how crazy it may sound to other people."

Even though he meant it more as a life lesson, I feel the core message can also be applied to your fitness motivation, which is that you must ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing.