In need of motivation

I always WANT to exercise but never have any motivation. I end up getting frustrated and annoyed with my inactiveness and go on an eating binge until I realize I'm about to get sick. I know I need to exercise I just don't know where to get motivation from... 

At least for me, getting started is usually the hardest part. And afterwards I never regret exercising. Motivational quotes are useful, here are some of the ones I've collected:

"The resolve to diet is most easily summoned on a full stomach."

"Don't let the things you can't do get in the way of the things you can." -- John Wooden.

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?" -- Robert Schuller

"Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice." -- Wayne Dyer

"Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you're going to do now and do it." -- William Durant

"I'm not telling you it is going to be easy - I'm telling you it's going to be worth it." -- Art Williams

your motivation is as elusive as Brittany's underwear. Now don't you want to move

It could have something to do with the type of activities that you're doing. If you choose stuff that you're really interested in or can do with other people you'd probably be more motiviated to do it. I really enjoy squash for that reason.

You will feel better after you exercise, to get motivated, listen to music!  Theres nothing better than a great loud song to get you pumped up.  It really works.  If it weren't for music, I would never exercise, whatever type you like, just get the fast, loud versions and listen to them when you work out, it'll boost your motivation big time!

Wow, Heather, if you just LISTEN to yourself, I think you'll start finding motivation!

You're telling yourself THE TRUTH, and POSITIVE things. You're just not following up your 'truths' with healthy thoughts. Your 'vegetarian brain' is allowing some '100% meat and meat by-products' to creep in.

Here's how *I* read (and might finish) your post:

"I always WANT to exercise..." ("...because I know it will help me feel better.").

"[I] go on an eating binge until I realize I'm about to get sick." ("...so, since I want to take care of myself, I stop before getting sick").

"I know I need to exercise..." ("...in order to feel better and help me control my weight.")

I'm no expert, but I know enough to tell you that you have to have a reason big enough to get yourself moving. No one else can give that to or find that for you. Whatever the reason(s) turns out to be, it is -- and NEEDS to be -- intensely personal, so that you OWN that dream or goal and will do whatever it takes to take a step closer to it each day.

You're NOT going to exercise because I (or anyone) says it's good for you.

But you may just do it so that you can fit into a new pair of jeans, look trim for an upcoming social event, 'complete' the healthy diet with a healthier body, make your sister's best friend jealous, etc.

Once you find your "why" you'll figure out the "how." You really don't know how close you are to making a breakthrough! Never, never give up.

All the best,

DnD

Try to find someone (who is motivated themselves, at least more than you) to workout with you. It's more fun to go with someone, and it's more difficult to not got, because they will urge you to go, and naturally most people don't like breaking plans.

well have you ever been dumped? or not good enough...

i always think well you know what guys only like her cause she is skinny..

so if i was skinny and brilliant, i'd be perfect.

I hate exercise too.  I walk every day.  I will say that listening to upbeat music on my iPod while I walk is really a great help.  I have lost 70 pounds in the past 10 months by watching what I eat and walking.  I don't walk terribly long, about 20 minutes, but I walk FAST thanks to those songs on my iPod.  I never like starting out, I can think of a million reasons not to go, but once I get out there, I always feel great when I'm done.

I have been heavy all my life and I've gone up and down, but have never succeeded in getting all the way down.  I know I'm going to make it this time.  The difference this time is that I have found my motivation.  For me, my motivation is my new 7-month old grandson.  He is the love of my life.  I want to be able to chase him around the park.  I want to be able to get down on the floor and play games with him and be able to get back up.  I realized at 277 pounds, this just wasn't going to happen.  So I HAD to make my choice and now I'm down to 205 and I'm shooting for 135.  I know I will make it.  And you will make it too, whatever your goal is, when you find the motivation within yourself.  I just keep telling myself I WILL chase my grandson at the park.  One day, I AM going to be able to run.  I'm 53 years old, but I know I will do it.  I read a quote the other day that the only person keeping you from reaching your goals and having the body you want to have is YOU.  I plaster these little quotes all over my bathroom and I read them every morning when I'm getting ready for work.

And now you know why my screename is "chasingjames"!  If I can do it, ANYONE CAN DO IT!  You just have to find it within yourself.  Somedays I have to literally FORCE myself to go out and walk, but I do.  Good luck to you, I know you can do it once you make your mind up!

Forgot to say one thing!  Sometimes when I need to force myself to get out there and walk, I think of people who don't have legs and can't walk, or those who are in wheelchairs and would give ANYTHING to be able to go for a walk.  I tell myself I must get out there and take a walk BECAUSE I CAN.  Sometimes we don't realize how valuable something is until we lose it.  If nothing else, maybe you can exercise because you can.  You have the ability and there are plenty who can not.  I'm not trying to sound high and mighty, I'm just telling you one strategy that works for me when I'm feeling a lack of motivation.

I hear ya, hbomb.  I struggle with exercise motivation too.  That's why, starting next week, I am getting off my duff.  I started a couch potato challenge for folks like me who CANNOT motivate to exercise.  For me, starting slow is the only way I'm ever going to get there.  I hope you'll consider our challenge: http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/post/111 533.html but even if you don't, remember it's ok to start slow.

My plan is to start with 5 minutes of cardio a day and build up to 30 minutes/day over 6 weeks.  I know that pace might seem lazy to some but if I start with 30-40 minutes/day like I have in the past, I'll give up within a  week.  I need to ease into this lifestyle change.  Wish me luck and I'll be pulling for you!!