Motivating Others

Over the past couple years, I’ve posted a lot about motivation … because I know how important it is to stay motivated.

I get a lot of motivation from the amazing transformations of others who have ROCKED it.  And that’s what the teamRIPPED Hall of Fame is all about — highlighting the results of others to keep you pushing play and working to be your own Success Story.

I have tried to be motivating to each and every person that comes to teamRIPPED for help. It is rewarding to be able to encourage and motivate someone when they are seeking you out. But what about the people around you that aren’t asking for help? You see exactly where you were, just a short while ago, in that other person. You know how much better life would be if they made a change, but what should you say? Should you say anything? Should you not do anything and just keep all of your new found energy and life to yourself? My answer to that last question is no, but with a little caution.

Here are just a few ways to be motivating to those people around you:

1. Be genuinely excited about your fitness.

• You aren’t going to win anyone over or inspire them if you are super negative and always talk about how hard and inconvenient everything you’re doing is. Sure it is hard work, but it is far more rewarding and fun! Don’t be fake either. Being obnoxiously excited will turn people away too. If you are even thinking about motivating others you probably are the right type of excited. Just be yourself.

2. Listen to the people around you.

• You want to have good relationships with the people around you so that you will have the privilege of speaking into their lives. Listen to what they are struggling with. Have them talk about what they are doing in their diets. Allow them to share about their fitness endeavors, and don’t shut them down if they start talking about Crossfit or BodyByVi! ;) No nutritional wars or workout battles, just listen. We are all on the same team of weight loss and fitness! And your results will speak for themselves.  Plus, as you learn more about them, you will be in a better position to offer help in the areas they need it.

3. Be consistent and creditable.

• If you have been sharing about working out with P90X everyday, tracking your food, and changing the way to eat, DON’T BLOW IT BY BEING A HYPOCRITE! When that cakes comes around the office, pass. I’ve shared about how I may eat non-typical foods once and a while for a little cheat, but don’t be a stumbling stone for those around you. When you have a close relationship with someone, you could take the time to explain how you’ve worked that treat into your goals that day. Or even share how long you went without any cheats (180 days for me!). But when they see you eating that cake without any explanation, they will draw their own conclusions. “He doesn’t practice what he preaches.” Or “see I can eat this and it is no big deal!” All your creditability has gone down the drain.

If people see that you honestly care and really want to help they will come and ask for your advise. It may take some time, but you won’t have to push yourself on them. Tony Horton gave this caution, “The worst kind of advice you can give is the kind of advice that was never asked.” (Thanks Mike Roberts for recording that quote from Summit!) Once they ask, then talk openly and honestly about the great things you’ve been able to do with P90X, Insanity, Shakeology! Answer their questions, help them find answers when you don’t know. Keep growing that relationship, and before long, you’ll have someone to talk about pterodactyls with or a new fellow ‘X’er to tell you to BRING IT!

Related Posts:

• You’re Not Fooling Me
• Get Over the Scale
• Family Fitness and Health
• Do More
• Is Ripped Worth It?
• No Apologies
• Are you still with us?
• 2 Years in a Row!
• Merry Christmas teamRIPPED!!
• Whatever It Takes!