While motivation is a key component to start doing anything, expecting to thrive off of motivation alone is wishful thinking to say the least. I don't believe there is a single person on this planet who is 100% motivated all the time. That's not to say motivation isn't important! Like I said, motivation will get you started. But think of Motivation like the heat to your stove. Heat without action in the kitchen is just wasted energy. You need ingredients and skill to make a meal. The same goes for building a habit. Motivation will light the fire but it's up to you to build the habit and turn it into something sustainable. Now where things get weird is when you have ambition, but lack motivation. Being motivated is the first step, and luckily for you, there are a few things you can do to gain some motivation to get you going! First, you can try to find a friend to join you in your endeavor. I started lifting weights with my best friend, without him asking me to go to the gym there's a possibility I may have never started going at all! A friend is an excellent way to hold each other accountable, nothing like a little friendly competition to get you going! Second, if you can't find a friend to physically go to the gym with you, find someone who can keep you accountable. Friends/Family are a good choice, if you have neither then a coach will do just fine!
Third, Start small! Too many journeys end too soon because people just dive in head first, taking baby steps isn't anything to be ashamed of. Especially in fitness. You can have one amazing workout but be sore and miserable for 5 days, or you can have 3 decent workouts with some mild discomfort in your first week or two, then slowly increase the intensity. The same goes for tracking food! Start with just a meal a day and then increase the amount you track from there. Then start nailing in your macros and you'll be in full control of your weight in no time!
Fourth, finding something that you find fun will keep motivation high. The majority of people who start exercising do so to lose weight. You don't need to be stuck on a treadmill for an hour a day to burn enough calories to lose fat. I used to play Underwater Hockey. (It's weird, look it up) but the workout was quite intense. Some people love HIIT training, others love low intensity stuff. It's all about finding what works for you.
Fifth, follow people on social media who embody what you want to do. Watch their videos on youtube, soak up as much of them as you can. You still want to be your own person after all, but no professional athlete has grown up without watching their sport. It's the same way for you, watch what inspires you and you're more likely to keep it at the front of your thoughts.
At the end of the day, will power is more important than motivation. Willpower is definitely a topic for another time though. What motivates you?
