Find My Motivation
When life is busy or overwhelming, it can be hard to feel motivated to add anything
new. Or if you're settled into a routine, it can be hard to think about changing
things up.
Some people seem to be more motivated and productive than everyone else. How do
they manage to be so successful?
Think less, do more
It's easy to think there will be more time and energy for health goals later. But did you know that delaying recommended diabetes care can actually add stress? It can result in feeling worried, guilty, nervous, uneasy, and even more overwhelmed.
Doing one small thing to get started - like checking out the activities on this website - can make you feel more in control. Once you've shown yourself that you can take one step, your confidence and motivation are likely to grow.
Focus on the upside
Even if you weren't born an optimist, it's possible to become one. It turns out
that when you practice looking on the bright side, positive thoughts can become
more automatic. That's one of the secrets of staying motivated.
It's easier to invest energy in your health when you focus on why it's worthwhile.
Some benefits might be noticeable very quickly. Others may take longer but be even
more valuable. If you remember that your daily choices can add up to help lower
your blood sugar, you may feel more positive about following your routine.
What are the benefits of managing your diabetes?
Enter your own benefits:
Or choose from these:
Feeling better physically
Feeling proud of myself
More energy for activities I enjoy and my family
Helping to delay or prevent diabetes complications in the future
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Imagine the benefits…
repeat them to yourself,
carry a list of them with you,
or post them where you'll see them every day.
Don't forget the downsides
Next time you're tempted to ignore a diabetes-related goal, try connecting that
choice to the long-term risks. Focusing on consequences can help you think in a
more balanced way.
Sometimes negative results are immediate, like not feeling well when you eat something
that causes your blood sugar to spike. Other times, negative effects add up so slowly
that it can be hard to notice – like gaining weight gradually over the course of
a year.
What negative results can your daily choices help you avoid in the coming days and years?
Enter your own ideas:
Or choose from these:
Feeling tired and lacking energy
Guilt or regret
Weight gain
Future diabetes complications
Worsening of current complications
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Get inspired
How you think about your diabetes can have a major effect on how you take care of
your health.
Many people feel it's unfair that they have diabetes, and others believe health
problems are inevitable as you get older. It can be useful to remember that you
have a say in how you take care of yourself, and your actions matter. Finding the
right inspiration can help.
Inspiration can come from reading stories or watching movies about others who have
coped with an illness; by posting quotes about success around your home; or by thinking
about what is most important to you in life.
What inspires you?
Enter your own inspiration:
Or choose from these:
It will feel great to be in better control of my diabetes.
I am setting a good example for my children or other people who are important to me.
Taking care of my health benefits me and those who love me.
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Try a new approach
Diabetes takes daily efforts to manage, so it can be hard to get or stay motivated.
Checking blood sugar and taking medications can feel like a chore, and it's common
to secretly wish that diabetes will go away if you ignore it. Since it won't, you
might have to get creative.
We all like to feel a sense of achievement. Tracking what you do for your health
can help you focus on the positive actions you're taking. Diabetes may never be
fun, but creativity can make it a bit more interesting and help you manage your
routine.
What might make diabetes management more interesting?
Enter your own strategy:
Or choose from these:
Try to top last week's diabetes goal related to healthy eating, increasing physical activity, or checking blood sugar.
Start a friendly competition with friends or family who are also trying to improve their health.
Try a new type of physical activity, like playing frisbee, bocce, or dancing.
Do something new – go hiking or prepare a new recipe.
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Get help from your team
If you're having trouble getting started or your motivation starts to drag, it's
important to reach out. Athletes can't succeed without the help of coaches, teammates,
and fans! In the same way, your health care provider, family and friends, and other
people with diabetes can all support you in your efforts.
Who can support you in reaching your blood sugar goals?
Enter your own ideas:
Or choose from these:
My primary care provider
My endocrinologist or certified diabetes educator
My family
My friends
A counselor
A support group
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Congratulations! Creating a personalized motivation plan is a great
way to keep a positive attitude. You can print this plan and keep it with you, or
post it in a place where you'll see it. Reminding yourself of your values and goals
can help you keep up with your diabetes care.
Get ready for action! Check out Build Healthy Habits for more tips on behavior change. Then try Get S.M.A.R.T.
About Goals to set up a step-by-step
plan to work toward a health goal.
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your thoughts and ask the
right questions.
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Important Safety Information About Insulin
The most common side effect of insulin is low blood sugar. Some people may experience
symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision, while some
experience no symptoms at all. That’s why it’s important to check your blood sugar
often.