We have all experienced it. An old picture of your younger self or a “Facebook Memory” resurfaces from several years ago, and when you see it you think to yourself, “Wow, I used to be in such great shape! I miss how good I felt during that part of my life!” Fitness not only improves your physical health, but your mental health as well, improving your happiness, self-esteem, and overall confidence. After seeing this photo, you may feel a surge of motivation and tell yourself, “That is it, next week I’m getting after it! I’m going to get healthier because I want that feeling and that confidence back.”
Maintaining that newfound motivation is paramount to achieve these goals, and sadly that is where most people fall short. By some estimates, 80% of people fail their New Year’s resolutions by February, and approximately 92% fail to stick to their resolutions for the entire year. So here are 3 easy tips to help you maintain that motivation and follow through on achieving your health and fitness goals:
#1: Share your goals with someone you respect.
Your goals should be for your own self-betterment, and not for any one else. That being said, it is human nature to seek the approval of our peers. That is where this tip can be helpful. Whether it be your spouse, coach, training partner, doctor, or physical therapist, share your goals with someone. But not just anyone, share your goals with SOMEONE YOU RESPECT. When you do this, it fuels your motivation, because you don’t want the person you confided in to ask you about your goals just for you to admit to them that you are not following through. Follow through on your goals, and you will have good news to share with them when they ask how things are going.
#2: Everyone is busy. Prioritize your health.
If your check engine light comes on your vehicle, you take it in to get repaired without hesitation, right? Because you understand that you need your car to get around, and if it breaks down, it disrupts so much of your day-to-day life. Well, your body is your vehicle for everyday life, and often times we don’t think about it in those terms. Like your vehicle, if your body breaks down, it adversely affects your day-to-day life, which then prevents you from being able to do the hobbies and activities that bring you joy and happiness. This point is very black and white, prioritize your health.
#3: Consistency is key! Establish a routine.
Consistency is key when it comes to following through on your health and fitness goals. Whether you are doing home workouts or working out at your local gym, the longer you remain consistent with your exercise and wellness routine, the better you will feel. When you feel better, it fuels your motivation and helps you build towards accomplishing your goals. The time and effort you put into your training is undeniable. Maybe your normal workout routine includes 1-hour sessions at the gym, but life throws you’re a curveball and you know you won’t have 60 minutes to dedicate to your workout that day – 30 minutes is better than nothing, and it helps you remain steadfast towards your accomplishing your goals. If you are too sore from the workout you did a few days ago or maybe you are rehabbing an injury; again, don’t let it derail you – make it to the gym, but just work on stretching that day.