Motivation is something that comes in waves. It can be seasonal, cyclical, and sometimes it may seem hard to find.
So what can we do to get out the door when the couch and television seem so much more appealing? What can we do to keep making healthy choices in our lives, when everyone else around us is pulling us in a different direction?
First off, the struggle is understandable. We are so overwhelmed with work, family, and keeping up with life. It feels like something has to give. Oftentimes it’s the workout, and the healthy eating. We may have a “I’ll start tomorrow” dialogue running in our minds.
Motivation isn’t permanent. We know starting something new is exciting and fun. A few months in, or maybe weeks, we find the excitement has worn off. Waking up an hour early, or adjusting our schedules doesn’t seem as realistic as we thought at first. It happens to all of us at some point. So what gets us to the next level?
Discipline is going to fill in where motivation fails you. Here are some tips on developing and maintaining discipline.
Find an accountability buddy:
Find someone in class or at the gym that you can make a pact to show up together, and show up for each other. Agree upon what classes you are going to attend together for the week, or even month. We are less likely to let someone else down when we want to throw in the towel.
Schedule your workout time:
Write it in the calendar, sign up on the app, and tell people at work that you are committed to working out today.
Remember your “WHY”:
We all have a reason we want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some of us want to feel more comfortable in our skin. Some of us want to have more energy for our daily activities. Some of us want to set a good example for our children. No matter what your “WHY” make sure it is something that makes you feel passionate on those days you really don’t wanna. Write it down on a post it and put it somewhere you can’t avoid seeing it EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! Others in your household will see it as well, and perhaps you will be their inspiration to make improvements. “I want to be healthy because…!!!”
Train towards a goal:
Maybe you always wanted to do a Spartan race. Perhaps running 3 miles without stopping makes sense for you. Maybe you have a pair of pants in your closet you really want to get back into. Pick a date that you are aiming to reach this goal, and go FULL IN! Mark it on the calendar, and track your progress. Training towards a goal is great, because it gives you a measurable point of success. When you reach that goal, set a new one. Eventually you will develop habits that are independent of your goals. That’s what is called a healthy lifestyle 😀
Have a supportive ritual:
Laying out your workout clothing where you can see it, putting on your workout gear, drinking a pre-workout, these simple steps can prep your mindset for what’s to come. Plan something that makes you say in your mind “If I do this, then I must get to my workout.” It can be as simple as making sure your workout clothing is in the car, so you don’t have to stop home before hitting class or the gym.
The reward is in the successful completion:
Getting out the door, getting through a tough workout, prepping healthy food, let’s face it, can be a big challenge during. We all know we NEVER regret it when we successfully complete it. Even a really low key workout, is still a workout.
Get help!!:
All athletes have coaches. The best of the best have coaches. Sometimes we are discouraged because we don’t see the progress. Sometimes we don’t know how to achieve the next level of success. Private coaching is a great way to get honed in on a program that is specificaly for you.
Invest in you:
Investing in your health is always an investment we should be happy to make. If you think there is no financial return on investing in a healthy lifestyle, consider doctor copays, less missed work days, less prescriptions, lower premiums on health and life insurance. How about more energetic days with your family, grandchildren, and friends? Those are things you can’t put a price on.
Contact ST3 Kickboxing and Fitness for serious inquiries on classes, nutritional guidance programs, and private training. We will help you on the path to a healthier, more confident you!