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Success is often about Motivation

By Crystal Quintana and Elaine Peabody

Stay Motivated, Stay Fit

Success is often about motivation. When we care deeply about something—our careers, our families, and our relationships— motivation seems to be second nature. But, sometimes these very commitments seem to stifle our motivation when it comes to exercising and staying fit. However, making the commitment to stay motivated about fitness can help you stay motivated in other areas of your life as well. A satisfying fitness routine can help you alleviate stress, keep healthy, and feel your best. Not only is this good for you, but it is good for the people who depend on you.

The main motivation killer when you are starting a new exercise program is having unrealistic expectations. It is great to be excited and enthusiastic about the way exercise can change your life, but expecting too much too soon can lead to big disappointments. It is hard to stay motivated about something that isn’t providing you with the results you want, but remember, becoming fit and healthy is a process that occurs over time.

Perfectionism is another thing that can kill motivation.

There are going to be days when you will miss a workout or eat everything you know you shouldn’t. Don’t let these moments make you feel as though you have failed. Nobody’s perfect, and holding yourself to the high standards of perfectionism can be very damaging to your motivation and your self-esteem. Keep things in perspective, and let the occasions when you fall short of your goals be reminders of the reasons you want to stick with them.

It isn’t easy to stay motivated about exercise when there are so many other demands placed on your time and energy, but if you can keep in mind these simple tips, staying motivated about working out won’t seem so overwhelming.

  1. Don’t set unrealistic expectations. You can’t lose twenty pounds in a week, and you can’t train for a marathon in month. Make sure the goals you set for yourself are realistic so that you will be able to see the rewards of your hard work.

  2. Write it down. Keeping a workout journal or just jotting down your goals can be a great way to solidify your commitment to getting fit.

  3. Have a buddy. A friend or a group of friends is a great way to spark your motivation. Not only will you have more fun working out with a partner, but you will feel a sense of responsibility to them as well. You can support each other through the tough times and celebrate with each other when you succeed.

  4. Reward yourself. If you successfully complete all your scheduled workouts for the week, you might want to treat yourself to a night out. If you lose those thirty pounds you’ve been trying to take off for years, reward yourself with a small vacation. Make the reward consistent with the accomplishment, but never forget to congratulate yourself!

  5. Know when to take a break. Even the most committed and motivated among us can get burned out. If you start to feel that you absolutely can’t survive another workout or eat one more low carb meal, take a break. Give yourself a day or two to rejuvenate. If you still don’t feel motivated to get back into your exercise routine, you might want to think about trying something new. A new sport or activity may be just what you need to jump start your motivation!

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