Have you ever thought about what motivates somebody to make a change or to do something differently? If you are a teacher, manager, husband or wife, then you most likely have contemplated this very topic. Health promotion professionals and parents of teenagers, contemplate this topic regularly.

One thing I've learned in life is that you can't make someone change. No matter what it is that you want, the individual has to be ready to make the change, or it won't happen.  The concept of 'readiness to change' is well documented as a psychological theory. James Prochaska documented this theory in "Changing for Good: A revolutionary six-stage program for overcoming bad habits and moving your life positively forward". While the title of this book seems like something you will find in the self-help section of the bookstore, the concept is actually based on years of psychological research. The underlying concept is that we go through stages to prepare for change.  Over time we are more ready as we contemplate and then prepare for change. The point at which the pros out weigh the cons is when we are finally able to take action to move forward with the change.  Once we've established the action and doing it consistently, we can maintain the new behavior. That's not to say that we always maintain the consistent behavior. Lapses or relapses aren't uncommon. Just ask any parent of a teenager.

Recently I had the opportunity to host a webinar with Daniel Pink, author of the book "Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us". Pink hypothesizes that there are three elements to our motivation: mastery, autonomy and purpose.  Autonomy is the desire to direct our own lives (think again to teenagers), mastery is the urge to get better and better at something that matters and purpose is the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves. Drive documents that the systems we've been using built around external rewards and carrot-and stick motivators just don't work.

Pink and Prochaska both know that what really motivates us comes from within. That when we are ready and have the internal drive to make a change, it will happen.

Summer is upon us. Thoughts turn to being out doors, at the beach, having fun. All the joys that summer holds for us. Summer also brings warmer weather. With warmer weather and often an increase in our levels of physical activity, we also have a need to stay properly hydrated. A few tips to keep cool and hydrated this summer:

• Drink before you undertake any strenuous activity and before you are thirsty. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
• Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol while in the sun or heat. These types of drinks stimulate the production of urine thereby promoting dehydration.
• Water is essential for your body. Drink enough to avoid dehydration.

How much should I drink:

• Adults should consume 17 to 20 ounces of fluid before beginning activity, as well as an additional 7 to 10 ounces every 10 to 20 minutes during activity. Don't stop there -- consume 24 ounces of fluid within the first two hours after outdoor activity.
• Children need 4 to 8 ounces of fluid before beginning outdoor activities and 5 to 9 ounces every 20 minutes while they are outside. Once kids return from outside play or activity, they also need to consume 24 ounces of fluids within the first two hours after they stopped their activities.

So this weekend, get outside, have fun and pack your water bottle.