Motivation can be a real struggle at times, but there are strategies that can help. While you may not find all of the answers right away, it’s important to try these techniques and see which ones work for you.
Motivation can be a tricky thing, and finding the right balance is key. Sometimes staying motivated comes naturally when you’re feeling inspired, while other times you may need external assistance to get going.
1. Set SMART goals
If you’re working toward losing weight, increasing strength or training for an event, setting SMART goals is essential to stay on track. When focused on something specific, you’ll work harder and more consistently than if you were simply trying to fit in a workout or eating healthier.
Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. Furthermore, including a deadline will motivate you and provide an objective benchmark for measuring progress towards those objectives.
2. Find a workout buddy
One of the best ways to stay motivated and reach your fitness goals is by finding a workout buddy. Exercising with someone else can motivate you more, make exercise more enjoyable, and increase the intensity of each session.
When searching for a workout partner, it’s essential to choose someone with similar fitness level and goals. Together, you can challenge each other, push each other further and celebrate victories together.
Finding a workout partner can be beneficial by reaching out to friends and family. They are more likely to offer encouragement and insight into your progress as you continue working out.
You could also check into local running clubs or gyms to see if there are other people with similar exercise goals. Start a conversation or ask to join their group to see if anyone there is looking for someone to work out with.
If you’re searching for a long-distance partner, try messaging them via texting or FaceTime and try to match their workout schedule. Doing this can help maintain the momentum in your relationship no matter where it takes place in the world.
3. Break your journey into smaller milestones
Breaking your journey into smaller victories makes it much easier to stay motivated and reach your fitness objectives. Additionally, celebrating small successes along the way can build up confidence and fuel further motivation.
No matter if you’re trying to shed pounds, pay off credit cards, or save for a downpayment on a house, breaking the journey into smaller steps can make it seem more manageable and achievable. When completed, dopamine–a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward–is released into your brain which helps keep you motivated throughout each day’s accomplishment.
Breaking your goal down into smaller milestones may take some effort and be intimidating at first, but it is an essential strategy for long-term success. By carefully outlining the steps you need to take and setting deadlines for each, you can measure progress and receive feedback on how well you’re doing. It also helps to build a supportive social circle who will provide moral support throughout the journey.
4. Reward yourself
Reaching your fitness objectives can seem like an impossible feat, but the satisfaction of reaching them provides the motivation to keep going.
For instance, if you’re trying to shed pounds, treat yourself to some new sweats or an exercise outfit. Or if strength is building up, treat yourself to a massage or pedicure as part of the celebration.
You could set up a savings account just for that holiday you want to take, and contribute $5 every time you reach a milestone. When the funds accumulate enough for the trip, use them to splurge!
Rewarding yourself should always fit within your budget; don’t spend more than you can afford, as this will only impede progress towards goals. Select small rewards for short-term objectives and larger ones for long-term ones to stay motivated and reach them faster!
