Why?

You know those fitsperation pctures?

The ones filled with ripped sweaty peeps and something supposedly motivating written over the top.

Something like "If you're tired of starting again, stop quitting"

Yeah, those things.

I hate them.

I hate the message they present. That unless you've tortured yourself in the gym you're somehow a sub-human, lazy waste of oxygen.

People aren't lazy, they don't quit trying to get into shape because they're lazy.

I bet there are things that you've quit. I know I've been a quitter. Most of the time, the decision to quit comes through a lack of clear purpose. People change only when the pain of changing is greater than the pain of staying the same.

If we don't have a big, clear picture of the awesomeness we're chasing.

Or something terrifying that will happen if we don't change. We tend to stay in our happy little comfort zone.

That's homeostasis my friend and that's sciencey, which means it must be true.

For example, if you knew there was a million pounds waiting for you if you got ripped and shredded, there is no way anyone would be able to force a chip or an extra glass of wine through your face hole.

Or if death was a certainty if you didn't go and run at 5am everyday, you would never hit the snooze button.

We're not lazy, we just need a reason why we should act.

We need a "why".

If you're current goal is "to lose some weight" then chances are you're not gonna get too far. But you probably know this already. What we need to layer into the goal is some emotion.

Why the sweet f%ck is this important to you? How will it change your life for the better?

Earlier today I put a video of me on Facebook doing some fitnessy type talking. The big aim is to tell the world I exist. At the moment I'm pretty damn good at what I do, but not so hot at telling people that.

A few months ago I would have ran away from posting on Facebook. Looking daft on camera was too much for me.

But then I looked at why it was important.

Yeah there's the possibility of making more money at some unspecified time in the future. But that isn't inspiring enough for me....I would have still hidden.

When I dug deep I realised it was important for my daughter. How can I tell her in all seriousness that she can do whatever the hell she wants to in life when I'm too chicken to chase my own dreams?

Not disappointing that little bundle of craziness was far more important than avoiding looking a wee bit daft in front of people I don't know or my friends.

So how do you figure out what's important to you? Your true "why"?

You gotta dig deep, peel the layers of your psychological onion.

One way is the "5 Whys" exercise.

Take your goal and ask yourself "why is this important"?

When you have an answer, ask again "why is this important"?

Do this a total of 5 times.

If weight loss is your goal you may want to lose a stone.

Why?

So I fit better into my clothes?

Why?

So I look good and feel better about myself.

Why?

So the other half fancies me and I'm less grumpy.

Why?

Cos I reckon she's been knocking of the gardener and I want to save my marriage and have muscles to smash him in the face.

Well....something like that anyway.

I joke a bit, but this stuff is powerful if you take the time to try and figure yourself out.

If you're interested in this check out the TED talk below.