In our society we are motivated by dramatics…reality shows are huge because they feature extreme circumstances where humans must overcome enormous obstacles. This is great theater (which is why these shows get great ratings) and we have become conditioned to be inspired by these over-the-top wins or losses.

So what is so “dramatic” about my dream to lose 30 pounds? Welll…not much. 30 pounds isn’t something you’d write to a newspaper about or be fodder for a talk show. If (when) I succeed…I’ll have some new clothes and my friends and family will remark about my improved look, and I’ll feel great and be healthier. Good news, but ”great theater”? Hmmmm. And what’s even more boring…it isn’t one challenging task that will get me there. It’s a million little choices along the way that add up to getting me there. Epic adventure with no violence…won’t sell a ticket.

So how do we become inspired to keep up the fight when we won’t make headlines or the majority of what we are doing isn’t even newsworthy? (Like, when someone won’t even notice if I’ve lost 5 pounds and they were the hardest 5 pounds to lose in my life?)

Because it’s the little things that count, I try to take a more focused, granular approach. To me, every day is my own labyrinth…choices that I must skillfully make, obstacles that I must overcome, to make it to my next phase (the next day). Some days I need to get past ”potato chip pit,” or cross “fiber field” to make it to ”hydration station”…etc. As in a video game, occasionally I’ll make a mistake, use up one of my lives, and have to start anew in that same day. But…my points don’t go away and I’m still in the game…maybe I could even be the top scorer.

I am trying to treat my mini-miracles (such as my resisting home made brownies this weekend) as top stories…and I occasionally jot them down in a notebook to remind myself that I’ve had some remarkable victories…even if I’m the only one that thinks so or I’m too embarrassed to tell anyone else.

I’d love to know how everyone out there stays motivated if no one is really watching or you have a goal that you either don’t share with others or won’t be necessarily noticed. It can be difficult without the drama. I would love your advice.