Healthy Motivators

Healthy Motivators

Did you make your list yet? You know—the one with everything you want to change or accomplish in 2026. My husband and I do this every year and often find the list jammed in a drawer in December. We laugh, cross off what we did do, then move items from the old list onto the new.

Recent events caught my attention, and I want to share truth about follow-though. Goal setting in 2026 will be drastically different. New motivators moved into my life—determination from fear, no more negative self-talk, and an attitude of gratitude.

Motivator #1 Fear Creates Fierce Determination

Trying to maintain a healthy weight and healthy heart is a worthy goal for anyone of any age. Over the years, like many of us, I read the emails, watched videos, and even subscribed to products to take off unwanted pounds and belly fat. Where did this get me? My total cholesterol went higher than at any time in my life. Fear flew. My LDL (lousy or bad cholesterol) skyrocketed.

Why? Because I grabbed onto whatever diet was supposed to be good for me. Drink whole milk. Drink coconut milk. Try this product—only to find that some studies show that people can develop high levels of cholesterol and a rise in LDL.
Fear is a great motivator for me. Why be afraid? Cause genetically heart attacks ran wild in the Cowan family. My HDL (heavenly or good cholesterol) remains high.

What do I know to do?

Go back to reality. What has worked for me in the past that kept my heart healthy? Don’t laugh.

If I do Richard Simmons three or four times a week and adopt the American Heart Association diet of low fat, I will lower my cholesterol. I know some say oatmeal fatten horses, but when I lost weight and had great cholesterol, my diet included oats. I need to do what works for me. Fear is a great motivator. I thank God for the fear.

My diet has changed. I love fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. I am using the free Fitness Pal app on my phone, and I am losing inches and weight.

Too many families and friends suffer heart attacks. Grandpa died from an MI. As a cardiac nurse, I’ve seen too much. Fear is welcome here! I’ll be Dancin’ with the Oldies with fine-tuned desire and purpose!

Motivator #2 Stop the Negative Self-talk & Fruitless Comparison Study

Years ago, a preacher told of two little guys who sit on our shoulders. The Spirit of God or the Devil will whisper in our ears. We listen to these external influencers and choose the one with the best argument at the time.

But I believe there is another voice that can drown them both out. An internal influencer, whose voice we know too well: our own. Negative self-talk comes with megaphone volume and a repeating loop recorder.

Is it possible to quit thinking about the failures in our lives? Can we stop looking at other people with envy? A heart full of distrust compounded with feelings of worthlessness leads to a paralyzed, unhappy existence.

John Bradshaw, an author and counselor, explained the difference between a human being and a human doing. "Human beings" value presence, emotions, and relationships. “Human doings" find their worth by accomplishing tasks and achievements from a checklist to feel worthy.

Motivator #3 Gratitude

Years ago, a patient grumbled about her four-hour wait in the ER. I kept my mouth shut. When she finished the angry spew and threats, I simply said, Can you find one thing to be thankful for?

"You are safe. You are in a room. We have a diagnosis. You are receiving antibiotics. You weren’t the only patient in ER. Perhaps a tragic car accident occurred, and five adults and little children were fighting to live. Maybe someone’s brother was having a heart attack. A police officer might have been shot while on duty. None of the nurses or physicians could tell you what was happening.

Can you be thankful, you weren’t in accident. Your brother didn’t have a heart attack. Can you find one reason to be thankful?"

Can we? This year let’s become accountability partners and find one reason to be thankful every day. Gratitude journals help. So does music.

This year let a healthy fear lead you to a determined plan of healthy living, whatever works for you. Dump the negative self-talk. Listen to the voice of God by reading His guidebook. Allen and I are going to read the entire Bible this year. This habit will sharpen our hearing and keep us in check as human beings enjoying and valuing loving relationships instead of running amuck as aimless human doings with perfect check lists! And thankfulness is indeed a way to change everything.

Enjoy this video from Natalie Grant and CeCe Winan. The end of the video helps with your gratitude—or thankfulness—list.

https://youtu.be/OC_OjOGuv28?si=hjhHz_dfg1YuXtDc

I love being your friend and remain humbled and full of gratitude that you consider me one of yours.

May the Lord continue to bless you with His grace, mercy, and wisdom in 2026.

Dr. Donna