I think self- motivation is a real life struggle for many people! Let me start by confessing that I am not motivated every second of every day, because believe it or not, I’m human too! However, I have found a few things that always seem to get me back on track and excited to keep crushing my goals. This post mainly focuses on motivation in the gym and is fitness related but the following tips can be applied to almost any part of your life!
- Switch Things Up: If you’ve been going to the same gym, doing the same routine, attending the same class for a long time now… you’re probably just bored. I have found that once I start to lose motivation in the gym, I need to try something new or challenge myself to do something different. This past summer I was feeling burned out from doing my bodybuilder style lifts (which had been my focus for 3 years), so I completely changed up my training! I started doing circuit workouts, EMOM’s (every minute on the minute), running, biking, rollerblading, etc. I even took some of my workouts to a nearby staircase and did a little outdoor circuit. I was beginning to dread my workouts, but this gave me a blast of motivation and an excitement to train everyday! You could try a Zumba or a Pilates class, maybe buy some rollerblades, or pick up running, or hiking, etc. There are so many different ways to stay in shape; don’t be stuck on one specific thing!
- Watch/Listen/Read: Watch a motivational movie, listen to motivational podcast, read a motivational book. For me, one of the most motivational movies is Creed. After watching this I want to pick up some heavy weight, run 100 miles, eat the healthiest food in the grocery store, and be the fittest person in the world. Seriously, Creed is one of the best “Let’s get pumped up” movies I’ve ever seen – not to mention Michael B. Jordan looks pretty dang cute! As far as motivational podcasts go, my favorites are The Jocko Podcast, hosted by Jocko Willink, a retired United States Navy Seal. Just hearing his voice will make you want to take over the world. Another favorite is the MFCEO Project podcast hosted by Andy Frisella, CEO of 1st Phorm and Supplement Superstores – again, a podcast that will make you want to go out and kick a$$. One of my favorite motivational books is Relentless, by Tim Grover. It is a true slap in the face and will move you to re-evaluate your entire life- at least it did for me! You may not feel moved by any of these things, everyone is different, but they sure help me. You simply need to find what will get you fired up, and then go out and win the day!
- Look Good, Feel Good: Take a trip to the mall and buy some new workout gear or do some online shopping and grab a new pair of tennis shoes. I have found that when I buy a new pair of workout leggings or running shoes, I want to show them off. The only way to do that is to get to the gym!
- Sign Up for a competitive event: If you pay the entry fee and put it on your calendar, you can’t back out! Sign up for a half marathon or a 5k, book a photoshoot to motivate you to feel your best, organize a push-up challenge with your friends and the winner gets to do XYZ, etc. It’s hard to stay motivated if you don’t have a goal. Even if it’s not a monetary challenge, make it some kind of challenge for yourself. Try challenging yourself to do a total of 10 pull-ups by 6 weeks, or run 3 miles in under 30 minutes. Whatever you decide to do, remember to set a deadline for your planned achievement.
- Find an Accountability Buddy: Grab your girlfriend, grab your husband, heck – even grab your mother and be each other’s accountability buddy! If each of you has a goal, shoot for that goal together. Chances are if you make a promise to meet at the gym at six a.m. Monday – Friday, you will be less likely to sleep through your alarm because your BFF is counting on you to be there. I absolutely hate breaking promises or letting other people down. If I tell someone I’m going to do something, I will do anything I have to do to keep that promise. If you don’t have anyone close to you to help keep you on track, find a friend at the gym or even on Instagram!
Look, at the end of the day it really comes down to how bad you want it. What are you willing to do or to sacrifice to achieve your goals? It will be hard and you may have to reprioritize a few things in your life, but I can promise you it will be worth it!
Until next time.
Peace & Love,
