So we've nearly reach half way in January and normally around this time the novelty of our newly set resolutions are beginning to wear thin and we've just not got that same motivation as we did have at the beginning of the year.
Well if one of your resolutions is to work out more or you're just generally feeling a bit unmotivated to exercise then I have some tips that might help you to feel motivated again!
Tip 1 - Think Of The End Result
Think about why you had set yourself the goal to workout more. Do you want to look and feel more healthy? Are you exercising for the mental benefits? Are you training for something? Whatever your why or reason, remind yourself of this when you're feeling unmotivated as 9 times out of 10 you will get your gym wear on and smash a work out!
Tip 2 - Look How Far You've Come
Reflecting back on your journey thus far and reminiscing back to when you first started to where you are now will most likely leave you seeing a change in your performance, habits, looks, mentality etc.
For example, I love running and I saw a photo that I posted when my friend and I did the Cancer Research Race for Life in 2015 and I said I did a 5k in 49 minutes and now I am doing a 5k anywhere between 30 - 35 minutes. So it just goes to prove that you are always making progress, even if you don't notice it at the time but when you look back on your journey you will realise the progress you've made.
Tip 3 - Break Your Goal Down
Perhaps you're feeling unmotivated because your goal is too overwhelming and you're unsure of how you're going to achieve it. Well I would suggest breaking your goal down into small, manageable chunks which will lead you to your end goal but won't look so daunting.
Tip 4 - Reward Yourself
Everyone loves a bit of positive reinforcement so every time you achieve your mini steps to your goal, reward yourself with that hot chocolate or that pair of leggings you've been eyeing for ages. By rewarding yourself, you are recognising that you have achieved something amazing and it will encourage your brain to continue doing it.
Tip 5 - Accountability
Share your end goal with someone else or better still encourage someone else to achieve your goal with you. By holding yourself accountable whether it be telling someone or tracking your progress on Instagram for like minded people to see, you are holding yourself more publicly to your goal and are therefore less likely to give up to achieve it.
Tip 6 - Discipline Yourself
There will be days where you don't want to workout or you begin to make excuses as to why you can't work out but at the end of the day, if you don't take action you won't progress. Therefore when you catch yourself making excuses or not feeling 100% up to it, encourage yourself to keep going and that something is always better than nothing. Plus - you never regret a workout!
Once you've done your workout, you will be so pleased that you did!
Tip 7 - Get It Done ASAP
To stop yourself from making excuses or getting too engrossed in work, do your workout first thing in the morning. It stops you from putting it off and it also gives you a real boost of endorphins which will help you feel motivated during the rest of the day
Tip 8 - Change Your Playlist
To keep your mind active and stop you from anticipating the next move in coordination with the song, I would suggest changing up your playlist or start listening to podcasts when you work out. By changing things up a little bit your brain isn't aware of what exercise you will be doing next as it's not in the same rhythm as it was before when listening to your old playlist.
Tip 9 - Try Something New
Maybe you're not feeling motivated because you are getting bored of the same workouts and it's not challenging your mind / body enough to which you're then not seeing progress. Therefore, try something new! Try a new class, try a different form of cardio, try a new online workout - mix things up and engage your mind and body in a different way
Tip 10 - Change Your Mindset
Personally, this is the most important one of them all, it is to change up your mindset. Look at exercise as your time and time for you to work on yourself and only you. It is chance for you to unwind / destress from the day or to start your day off in a positive and clear minded way.
Now you should hopefully be feeling a bit more motivated after reading this blog post so I have attached a template to help you get started on your fitness journey straight away. You can download the template here.
Also, let me know in the comments what does exercise mean to you? Exercise for me is a release and a chance for me to reflect on my thoughts, relax and enjoy the scenery around me.
This blog post is Day 14 out of the January Series where I will be uploading 31 blog posts to help you kick start your 2021 in the right way and to help you become the best version of you.
Leave a comment below if you have any blog post ideas that you would like me to do in the future
See you tomorrow for another blog post! :)
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