Remaining Motivated- What it takes

How do I stay motivated? This is one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to fitness. And it's a valid one! We all know how easy it is to start a new fitness regimen with a lot of enthusiasm. But maintaining that level of excitement over time can be tough. So, how do you keep the motivation going, even when the going gets tough?

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we need to be motivated all the time in order to be successful. But this isn't the case. Motivation can only take us so far. At some point, we need to learn how to keep going even when we don't feel like it. In fact, most of the time, we need to take action when we feel like doing anything but that. The trick is to separate our actions from our feelings. We can do what needs to be done, even when we don't feel like it.

In other words, we need to learn to act according to our values, rather than our feelings. For example, let's say your value is to be fit and healthy. That's your ultimate goal. But on a given day, you might feel tired or unmotivated. You might be tempted to skip your workout. But if you're acting according to your values, you'll go ahead and do the workout anyway, even though you don't feel like it. And over time, that consistency will bring you closer to your goal.

Motivation may return occasionally. However, it’s not guaranteed. It's a flighty little bird that flits in and out of your life. You can try to catch it, but it's like catching the wind. So, if you want to actually reach your goals, you need to find something that will not disperse at the first sign of trouble.

Here enters- Your strong WHY!

The first step is to uncover your true "why" - the deep, personal reason that drives you to achieve your goal. Your "why" should be more than just losing weight or looking good. It should be something that truly matters to you, such as feeling good about yourself, being healthy for your family, or being able to enjoy life to the fullest. When you connect to this deeper purpose, it will help you stay committed and motivated.

When you're trying to find your motivation, a simple exercise can help. It's called the "5 Whys." To do this exercise, start by asking yourself why you want to accomplish your goal. Then, ask "why" again. Keep asking "why" five times, until you've gotten to the core of your motivation. The answers might surprise you! This exercise can help you find your true reason for pursuing your goal, and it can give you a deeper sense of purpose and clarity.

Here is an example of a FitCru client who wanted to lose her postpartum weight, and here were her 5 whys-

1. Why do you want to lose postpartum weight? "I want to feel more like myself."
2. Why is it important to feel more like yourself? "Because I don't feel comfortable in my body right now."
3. Why is it important to feel comfortable in your body? "Because I want to be able to enjoy my life again and feel confident."
4. Why is it important to enjoy your life and feel confident? "Because I want to be able to play with my kids and participate in activities without feeling self-conscious. I want to be able to look in the mirror and feel good about myself."
5. Why is it important to be able to play with your kids and participate in activities without feeling self-conscious? "Because I want to set a good example for my kids and show them that it's important to take care of yourself and be happy in your own skin."

This reason is not just a fleeting motivation, it is a deep WHY.

Avoid letting feelings dictate your actions. It's normal to succumb to tired or sad impulses, but when it comes to a nutrition program, emotional decision-making can derail your goals. Instead, acknowledge and accept your feelings like clouds passing overhead. Your moment-to-moment emotions don't define you or dictate your choices.

Adopt a growth mindset and view life as a series of learnable skills. Rather than dwelling on unmet goals, add the word "yet" to your statements. "I haven't reached my weight goal yet" exudes resilience. Resilience isn't just about trying harder; it's about seeing any process as a developable skill. People that have a growth mentality think that by working hard, one can develop talents and achieve greater things. Consider the thoughts you think and the words you use. Take notice of your rigid thoughts and behaviors and rewrite the narrative that carries you towards growth.