Have you made the commitment to exercise and started out with all your zest and vitality, only to find that you’ve come crashing down to the ground really hard? Well, do not feel bad; we have all been there and done that.
The first step to incorporating exercise into your daily routine is the decision, the second step is the action, and the third step is the commitment. However, commitment comes with another component and that is to stay committed and to stay motivated.
There are several ways to conquer the motivation monster and here are a few ideas:
- Change Your Mindset – Once you have made the decision to exercise, it is important to make the commitment as well. Thinking about it is wonderful, but acting upon it is another story. Change how you view your new-found decision by making it something positive and rewarding rather than just one more dreaded thing you have to accomplish.
- Visualize – Practice visualizing your goal. If your goal is to be healthier, spend some quiet time meditating on wearing flowing white clothing sitting on the beach and being healthy, happy, and whole. If you are heading toward a long-awaited vacation, picture yourself in a beautiful sundress or bathing suit that you have wanted for a very long time.
- Get Together with Your Best Pal – Grab a pal and have a “calendar date.” Match your calendars to find that time slot where you are both available for exercise. You will find that the motivation of another and being accountable to that date and time will open up the time slot needed for exercise and socialization as well. Even during this “Stay Home” times – we can work out as a group via zoom.
- Exercise when You Least Want to – So many of us are guilty of feeling and thinking too much, especially when you are having a “bad day.” It is at that moment that you should replace your downward spiral with exercise. Not only will it give you the results for your body, but it will also work wonders for your mind as well. This may be difficult at first. However, when you first accomplish this, you will see many positive results. Your mindset will change and you will have created a new memory to keep you motivated next time you are down in the dumps. You will actually be able to turn something negative into something positive.
When all is said and done, if you keep a short journal about your positive exercise experiences and turn to it during those “I don’t have the time or I don’t feel like it” moments, you will read the results right off the page and get moving.