What's it gonna take?

Something I've learned and forgotten and relearned about myself many times is that I need a very specific and tangible goal to accomplish anything at all. I need milestones and measurements of success to motivate me to action. Graduating college, going to massage school, each summer at camp, etc etc all have an end in sight, a moment that signifies successful completion. (I realize that this may be why I find it nearly impossible to choose a career that would keep me satisfied and motivated for more than a year let alone decades.)

This has also been true in my life of fitness and weight loss. The best shape I have ever been in was about 7 years ago when I was training for my blackbelt (obvious motivator.) The years before and after that, however, and pretty much for my entire adult life I have been maintaining my weight at a level that, though nothing to be ashamed of, is a constant reminder of just how lazy and unmotivated I can be. I know what it takes to lose those last 10 pounds. I have not plateaued and been frustrated by a lack of results. I just haven't done it. Yes I work out and yes I try to eat healthy but to really achieve those results I covet I need something big. I need another black belt, so to speak.

So what's it gonna take? I didn't see it coming, but apparently the motivation this time is going to come in the form of an infomercial. The strong desire not to disappoint Mindy Mylrea, a looming deadline (Oct. 6th) for the "after" shot, and the group effort with Katie and Rachel will hopefully whip my ass into shape over the next month. I don't doubt that I will be able to accomplish what she asks, because I have no problem chasing that carrot (though I imagine I will be sick of carrots by the end) when the finish line is in sight. At least I hope I have it in me. And then when I reach that milestone I can find the motivation to create a new one to achieve, whether it be success in fitness or just in life.

And if nothing else, watching Katie's head explode with excitement when she is finally in an infomercial will make this all worth it.