Motivation is a mysterious thing - part 2

"The focus needs to shift from increasing knowledge about the benefits of exercise to discussing strategies to change behaviors and increase activity levels," stated lead study author Vicki Conn, associate dean for research and a professor at the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing. "The common approach is to try and change people's attitudes or beliefs about exercise and why it's important, but that information isn't motivating. We can't think ourselves into being more active.

One of my readers, Christine writes: "For me, I think the main problem with being fit and eating healthy is motivation. It's an abstract, overwhelming goal. I think the best way to counter this is to turn it into winnable games and small victories". "So... my app makes living healthy, and fitness into a RPG game, where users earn points, "level up', and earn badges as they accomplish their health goals. Everytime they add something healthy like veggies to their diet, they earn points. Everytime they complete a workout, they earn points. As they achieve more and more, they'll level up and unlock badges, and discounts/coupons to rewards like spas, health foods, maybe even sweet and semi-healthy things like raw chocolate.

Of course, to appeal to people's need for achievements/progress, I'm also adding charts, and graphs to show their progress... I think people love that sorta stuff. The whole idea is to shift people's attitude towards healthy living as fun, achievement, and winnable. We're missing that sense of "win" in fitness. That feeling we get when we finish checking things off a list, or cleaning up a room."

Thank you Christine for sharing your ideas and experience.

To be continued


What's your opinion on this idea? How do you stay motivated? Let's connect at info@gaiaadventures.com.

Catherine D'Aoust at GAIA Adventures, Personal Training, Workshops
www.gaiaadventures.com
Join LuvURLife fitness series: online training only $20/month