The Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics are almost here. If you plan to watch some of the swimming, gymnastics, track and field or other events on television, I can´t blame you. There are always a few very memorable performances and inspiring stories that come out of each Olympics. Remember the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, when American gymnast Kerri Strug was carried away by her coach after nailing a perfect vault landing on a leg she had just injured? Now that was inspiring!
Watching the world´s greatest athletes perform can be a powerful motivator to increase your own activity level.
If you´re not exercising currently, then start. If you´re already exercising, take it to the next level. Whether you´re power walking, riding the stationary bike, or hoisting dumbbells, imagine yourself going for the gold!
The Power of Role Models
It may sound silly, but psychologists say that emulating role models such as top athletes is a truly effective way to build lasting motivation for exercise. According to JoAnn Dahlkoetter, Ph.D., a sports psychologist and author of Your Performing Edge, "When Oprah Winfrey crossed the finish line of the Marine Corps Marathon in 1994, it made a big impact and opened up jogging to thousands of people who weren´t born runners. If you can find people who are good role models, people who are like you and are doing things to help themselves, it can be very inspiring and motivating."
Another great motivator for exercise is what psychologists call self–efficacy, which is a fancy word for believing that you can do whatever you set your mind to. A good way to build self–efficacy is to educate yourself about how to exercise most effectively and nourish your body most healthily. Check out my Energy Guidebook. That will give you the knowledge you need to believe that you really can "win gold" in your quest for a better body.
