Creating fitness motivation that LASTS..
It is that time of year again, where the word ‘motivation’ is being thrown around in every sense. Motivation can mean a plethora of different things to different people. It can be anything from kick-starting a healthy lifestyle, getting organized with a new diary or planner or stocking up with the healthy goods in the kitchen! These changes can make you feel excited and eager to achieve your new health and fitness goals.
But then… life happens. It turns February, the ‘new year, new me’ mentality has completely worn off, good habits have been turned on their heads and the cold, dark, tired nights get the better of you. Whatever you’re reasons may be, there comes a point where your workout motivation hits an all time low and you’d just rather stay in bed. We’ve all been there, so how do we get through this?
As the saying goes… ‘motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going’. This really does ring true. While we jump the gun and go full steam ahead on the first few weeks of January, it’s the small, daily and sustainable changes we make to our daily behavior (our habits) that make the real difference. Did you know that almost 50% of people starting a new workout routine throw in the towel within the first 3 weeks of January? That ‘wall’ as it were, CAN be overcome.. but it is down to our habits to get us through when motivation is low. Have a read of my top motivation tips to help you overcome this dreaded motivation burnout…
- Make a plan…
Following a schedule and keeping a fitness diary can be your absolute life – saver when it comes to staying on track. Schedule your workouts for the week as you would a meeting or appointment, this makes you less likely to side – track them and find excuses. Sure there will be days where we need to rest, and days when you really shouldn’t workout (illness, severe fatigue etc). But on the days where you’re simply feeling a bit blergh.. having a scheduled plan can really help you fight this feeling. You’ll be blown away by how great you feel after due to the rush of endorphins!
- Small, sustainable changes are the key to success..
One of the biggest fitness problems I have come across is seeing people set crazily huge, unrealistic and simply impossible goals. Trying to change behaviours, food habits, exercise routines and general life all in one go will leave us feeling defeated and overwhelmed. This is often the cause of giving up – we simply take on too much and it’s not long before our bodies rebel and give in. Instead, try making 1 or 2 small changes to start with. This might be adding exercise into your schedule 2 – 3 times a week or drinking an extra 3 – 4 glasses of water a day. As these become habit, you can start implementing more small changes that eventually become part of your routine.
- Stay positive and be kind to YOU..
Rome wasn’t built in a day… and our bodies won’t change over- night. Be patient and be kind to your body. You may feel disheartened that you’re not seeing immediate changes even though you have been working hard and making the changes. Here is where you need to dig deep and keep at it. You’re hard work WILL pay off. It might take weeks, months, but I can assure you when you focus on creating a healthier lifestyle, the change will eventually be huge. Start with short term goals so you can reward yourself along the way. Don’t beat yourself up if you have an off day or even week. Focus on a positive, healthy mindset and think about how you can do better in the days and weeks to come. Aim for balance, NOT perfection.. and most importantly, enjoy the journey!
