Is motivation necessary?

After forcing myself out on a walk this evening, I wondered: How do I get patients and clients to walk more? I am well aware based on the research that the more steps I do, the healthier I become. This is mental emotional and physical. However, after a long day of riding in the car to a family event, I was exhausted. I did not want to walk. I really don't know if the dogs wanted to walk either. They are old. I feel like they want to sit on the couch too.

I know all the statistics on physical activity. So, why is it so hard to put on my shoes and walk out of the house? I think I want the Instagram motivation. That's where you leave your perfectly spotless house, wear a matching outfit, and the sun is shining and its 70 degrees. But that's not reality. And motivation is hard to come by when we're tired. We are waiting for the 1st of the month, or a Monday or some other piece of magic that makes it suck less.

So, if you feel you are lacking motivation realize you are not alone. Just put on the shoes. You can be mad about it if you need to be. Put on your shoes and walk outside. Maybe it's around the block, maybe down your driveway. It's practice everyday. Some days you will do more, some less. Persistent practice trumps motivation every time.