What do you do when you lose motivation?
What do you do when you lose motivation?
Let me stress it is very normal to lose motivation once in a while. We all can't be motivated 100% of the time.
Set Clear Goals
Research has documented the importance of goal setting. Studies have shown, for example, when individuals make daily exercise commitments, they’re more likely to increase their fitness levels. Clear and specific goals such as walking 12,000 steps a day or completing your strength program 3 times per week are much better and more likely to stick. So any objectives you set for yourself or agree to should be specific and very very clear.
Goals should trigger intrinsic whenever possible, rather than extrinsic, motivation. An activity is intrinsically motivated when it’s seen as its own end; it’s extrinsically motivated when it’s seen as serving a separate, ulterior purpose—earning you a reward or allowing you to avoid punishment. Intrinsic motives predict achievement and success better than extrinsic ones do.
Positive Self Talk
Engage in a positive self-talk. If you think you dread exercising, have a little chat with yourself, but do so as if you're speaking to someone else.
People who have positive expectations and feel confident in their ability to achieve their goals tend to lose more weight, are fitter and stronger.
The way you talk to yourself matters. Be gentle and compassionate. It does not do you any good whatsoever if you criticize yourself about missing a workout or telling yourself you are no good, overweight and unfit.. Would you tell someone in the street that they were no good and unfit. The answer is likely NO so why would you say it to yourself?
"It's okay- things sometimes get in the way". I will commit to exercising tomorrow instead” If you eat junk food go easy on yourself " I can enjoy unhealthy food now and then because I am looking toward the long term.
Discover your WHY
Think back as to why did you start your health and fitness journey in the first place? If you have not already,clearly define all the reasons WHY you want to achieve your goals and write them down. This will help you stay committed and motivated to reach your health and fitness goals.
Visualise
Practice having a good mental image of what you are wanting to achieve? Programming the subconscious mind is very powerful. What you see is what you get!
Let me stress it is very normal to lose motivation once in a while. We all can't be motivated 100% of the time.