Motivation

Staying Motivated

People often ask me…Grant, how do you stay so motivated? Or they will say
something like…I am just not that motivated to train/exercise.

Here’s the harsh reality…NO ONE is ever 100% motivated 100% of the time. You see, motivation is an emotion. It comes and goes, like all other emotions. Let’s use one of those happy clappy events, as an example. You know those ones where everyone is on a high because a whole list of motivational stuff is being used. Think loud music, accompanied by people doing all kinds of weird dancing moves (cause euphoria) people talking about how good they feel, everyone smiling/cheering…you get the gist? 

Now, think of a couple‘a days after such an event, do you still feel as motivated to go out and punish those weights or treadmill at the gym or make a gazillion dollars? Probably not!

So…what now? Don’t worry, I will share what I’ve learnt about motivation from some of the leading teachers in the industry or respective fields.

Firstly I’d like you to note, there is nothing wrong with you if you lack motivation to train or eat healthy. Humans and most (if not all) animals are designed to seek pleasure/comfort and avoid pain/discomfort. Ever see a lion going for a 5k run, maybe or do some split squats…nah! So, that burger/chocolate/wine (ever heard of comfort food) will ALWAYS look more motivating than that kale salad (who still eats kale). Cuddling under the blankets during winter or a braai (barbeque for my European friends) in summer will always be more motivating than going for a run.

So…you cannot rely on motivation to get you to your goals.

In other facets of your life, it is exactly the same.

Your relationship with your spouse. Do you only work on the relationship if you feel motivated?

Your relationship with your children…do you only see to them if you feel motivated?

Your job…you only do your job or go to work if you feel motivated?

Yet…if you don’t have your health, most, if not all of above will suffer.

I think you get my point, yes?

Now let’s look at some strategies and recommendations to help you stay more motivated in relation to your fitness/healthy lifestyle goals.

SET BEHAVIOUR AS OPPOSED TO OUTCOMES BASED GOALS. 

1. Set specific (run 5k in 30 minutes, eat 5 cups of fruit & veggies at least 3 times per week), measurable (how many kilometers am I able to run at the moment), achievable, realistic (if you’re not able to run 1k at the moment, then running 5k in a month is unrealistic) and time orientated goals.
2. Do activities that you like. As the saying goes, the best programme or diet in the world is the one YOU CAN STICK TO. There are lean/healthy people in all types of activities. Think dancers, track and field athletes, rock climbers, etc. The list goes on…
3. Set yourself up for success by having your training clothes ready in the morning or taking it with you to work.
4. Set specific (as with SMART goals) times and places to do things. Simply saying I have to train today, is a recipe for NOT training today.
5. Find triggers to set off behavior. If you have stairs at work, make a point of saying I will take the stairs every morning when I am still fresh. This can count toward your non exercise activity (which I will cover in next article) for the day.

So…hope you guys can stay better motivated with these few tips.

And remember: Rome was not built in a day, but it was built every day.