Before we undergo this journey together, I think it’s important for everyone to find their purpose behind this mission. Your purpose is used as motivation behind every one of the goals that you set for yourself and hope to achieve. It’s important to remember that your purpose won’t be the same as those around you because it is supposed to match your own personal beliefs and values. Your purpose can be a multitude of things, but ultimately, it’s used to encourage you during your workouts and at times when you want to revert back to old bad habits.

First, I would like to share my own purpose. For a long time I was unhappy with the way that I looked and felt. I knew that in order to change this mentality I had to find my purpose. I chose to exercise and be more conscious about my eating habits because I wanted to become healthier and more energized. As for all of you, your purpose can be anything you want it to be. For example, do you want to have a more productive day? Do you want to help improve heart health? Whatever your purpose may be, I want you to focus on it because it will serve as the backbone you need in order to reach your goals.

As we all know, there are times when we all just want to relax, lay on the couch and watch television. Relaxation is important, but you also don’t want it to become a habit. During those days when you say, “I don’t want to go to the gym today. I want to relax on the couch.” I want you to refer back to your purpose. This is the most important aspect of our journey together because it holds you accountable to uphold your beliefs and values. Being that I am a full-time student and intern, I understand that life can get busy sometimes; that is why it’s important to find a deeper meaning for getting to the gym, eating healthier and making these changes in your life. Your purpose will give you more reasons to follow through and eventually reach that end goal.

So, I ask that you all think long and hard about your purpose. Write it down in your phone or imbed it in your brain so that you hold yourself accountable when times get tough! Best of luck.