We’re now well into the second quarter of the year and now is as good a time as any to check in with those fitness goals you set out at the beginning of the year. At this point, you are either still on track or you may have lost motivation along the way.
It’s understandable. Change, consistency and commitment can be both daunting and overwhelming (and as I write this we are still amidst a global pandemic). As a personal trainer and nutritionist, I see clients experience these challenges all the time and after a month or two, their old habits have slowly returned.
If there is one thing I believe, it’s that change is always possible - no matter what. Getting back on track and back to a routine can be done with taking small steps. And if you’re unsure of how to do that, then don’t worry because I’m going to share with you my top tips for getting back (and staying) on track when you have lost motivation.
Determine your WHY
Your ‘why’ will set the tone for your actions. So, you need to be clear about why you’re doing what you’re doing. Maybe it’s to play with your kids and not be out of breath or maybe you want to lower your cholesterol. Whatever that ‘why’ is, you need to keep it at the forefront and if at any point you find yourself losing focus, simply go back to it. Let that ‘why’ push you and motivate you to keep going.
Having the right mindset
Along with your ‘why’, your mindset is going to be everything in how you approach your goals. I can’t stress that enough. You need to commit to what it is that you want and believe that you can do it. There will be plenty of setbacks along the way and moments where our mind isn’t necessarily 100% in it, but what matters most is how we handle those setbacks and moments.
To believe in yourself means to trust yourself. With that trust, belief and remembering your ‘why’, you will be able to stay focused on the end result. Don’t worry about what others may be doing, just worry about what you’re doing.
Too much too soon
I see this with clients all the time; they want to do everything...all at once. While I admire the enthusiasm, you should also be realistic as to what is sustainable for your lifestyle. If you’re a busy mom running a household, then starting a new workout program and doing a Whole 30 cleanse at the same time may not be the best idea. Start with one small change and once it has become a habit and you feel comfortable, only then should you look to add in something new.
Be patient with yourself – results take time
We all want results and we want them fast. As cliché as it sounds, your fitness journey is a marathon and not a sprint. The patience you have with yourself goes hand in hand with the too much too soon approach. As you ease into your new routine or program, you will also need to be realistic about your timelines. Sustainable and effective change will take time – and just like any marathon you will need to pace yourself accordingly.
Choose the right activity FOR YOU
The reality is you have to enjoy what you are doing. If you don’t, then chances are you will lose interest quickly and likely not stick it out. It’s important to recognize what suits your personality. Some people thrive in a group environment and others don’t.
Large gyms or group classes can be intimidating and make some people feel self-conscious. If that’s the case, then look into smaller boutique style gyms or invest in one on one sessions with a personal trainer. Either way, find a way to make it work FOR YOU.
Find an accountability partner
Everything is easier in pairs and having that friend who shares the same energy as you and who’s there to cheer you on goes a long way. They’ll be there to give you that little extra push you may need and hold you accountable when you feel like giving up. You will feed off each other’s energy and encouragement and you’ll both feel committed to keep moving forward.
