How often do we hear speakers or successful individuals, masha’Allah, say that motivation was key to their success? Most of the times we roll our eyes, and say “yeah sure, it was motivation. Masha’Allaah they just got lucky!” What I will be going through in this article are: What is motivation? How do we motivate outselves? How do we keep going when our motivation is burning out?
So lets’ talk about what is motivation? Motivation is the activation or energization of goal-orientated behavior. People describe motivation as either intrinsic or extrinsic. This means that motivation comes from one trying to achieve a goal they really want to achieve, in’sha’Allaah.

Once they decide they really want to achieve this goal. They will in’sha’Allaah through motivation they will find the energy to work on their goal, and in’sha’Allaah achieve it. An individual can feel motivated by both unseen values and visible desires. An example of intrinsic motivation that motivates me is doing everything for the sake of Allaah (Subhana wa tala). Praying that He accepts it and that through His mercy He forgives our sins, leting us into Jannah, in’sha’Allaah. An example of extrinsic motivation is when someone desires a specific house or car. If they truly want a car—like a Mercedes Benz—they’ll find a way to make it happen. They might work two jobs or save every penny until they reach that goal. It all depends on how bad they want the car.

Most people are motivated by visible results. However, as Muslims, we should seek both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, in shaa’ Allaah. Especially when it has to do with our health sisters and brothers.You might think, ‘Zohra, I can stay motivated to lose weight because I’ll see the results.’ But you may wonder, how do I find motivation from within? The Prophet Muhammad(Sallalahye Alyhee Wa Sallam) said: “Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free-time before your preoccupation, and your life before your death.”

(Bayhaqī ) Each of us will be asked on the Day of Judgment about our health. That means we will have to answer to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for how we took care of ourselves. This should be enough motivation to make us think. To literally change our ways, for on that day what will our excuse be? No excuses will be accepted. NONE.

So sisters and brothers, yes, a new image is great to achieve. Beyond the image, we should have new eating habits, exercise habits. Remember that this too is ibidah to Allaah (Subhana wa tala). Sisters and brothers it is time to start new. It is time to motivate ourselves from inside to outside. Make a commitment for the sake of Allaah (Subhana wa tala). It is time to stop the excuses, and just go do it. Just begin, and don’t worry about how long it will take you. Just keep going for Allaah (Subhana wa tala). He will not care about how much weight you lost. Rather how much you tried for His sake and your own sake. Make it happen sisters and brothers- in’sha’Allaah!