Often times I get asked how I stay motivated and the answer is actually an ever changing one. I don't necessarily use one form of motivation all of the time, it changes from day to day. Some popular ways for me, however, have been.

1). Movies- I love to watch inspirational movies like:
a). Rocky
b). Rudy
c). Good Will Hunting
d). Mr. Hollands Opus
just to name a few. Movies like these make me feel as if I can accomplish anything I want, and that's true.. I can. It's just a matter of knowing and believing I can.

2). Books- I've read many books that have motivated me like:
a). As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
b). Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
c). Rise and Walk- The Dennis Byrd Story
d). The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peal
just to name a few. Books are a must to stay motivated and on track.

3). Friends- I surround myself with positive and motivated people.
4). I avoid the news and newspapers- I refuse to let all of the negative influences in the world dictate the way I think and feel, so I don't pay them any attention.
5). I realize fitness is my career so that keeps me moving in a positive direction. If I'm not fit I'm not getting paid.
6). I use my birthday to give myself a goal. I make every birthday a reason to “be in the best shape of my life!” At 45 years old I can honestly say that I am.
7). I know I a example to others and I take that very seriously. Maybe you aren't a fitness professional, but I bet your kids look to you as an example. What kind of example are you?
8). I want to look good for my wife.
9). I want to be a good steward of the body God has given me. So many people take a healthy body for granted and abuse it with drugs, alcohol or just plain old laziness. This to me is a shame, especially when there are so many “physically challenged” people who would give anything to run, jump and play like “normal people.” I once heard someone say, “if you can read and you don't, then you are no better off than someone who can't.” It is the same with fitness. “If you can exercise and you don't, then you are no better off than someone who can't.”
10). Longevity: I stay motivated by realizing I'm in this for the long haul, so I don't let small set backs make me want to give up or give in. Realize that no one is perfect therefore you will make mistakes and have bad days. Knowing and admitting this is motivation to me because it gives me the freedom to be human.

Find what works for you and rotate what you do, read a book, watch a movie, spend time with someone in a wheel chair or in a hospital. I don't know, but find something otherwise this all gets old real quick. You must have a bigger purpose to maintain motivation throughout the years. At least in my humble opinion.