How often d
o you tell yourself you’re going to work out in 20 minutes, but that time never comes? How often was exercise your New Year Resolution, but you didn’t keep it? I’m sure there are plenty of us who are all guilty. The fact is sometimes it is hard to get motivated to get started. Let’s put the excuses away. We’ve compiled a list of 10 ways to motivate yourself into a healthier lifestyle:
Create a Goal with a Reason Why Your Goal is Important to You– the deeper and more emotional the reason for why your goal is important to you, the better. Maybe it’s not looking older than your years, getting back into your favorite sport, being able to keep up with your kids, not sticking yourself with needles everyday if you become diabetic, etc…
Success stories- I find the success stories of others incredibly inspirational, often times telling myself “If they can do that.” Guess what? I Can too!
How you’re going to look- Many people imagine how they’ll look on their wedding day or birthday party. Use that same inspiration in getting yourself into a fitness regimen mode. Imagine how you will look at the end of your goal.
Rewards- Give yourself a weekly reward of your choosing. Perhaps there were those shoes that you really wanted. Maybe a nice lunch. Whatever your reward is, you deserve it!
Fitting into new clothes- Purposely purchase a pair of jeans or two that are too small. Now tell yourself, “I am going to get into those jeans!”
A workout partner- A workout partner comes highly recommended. Allow them to push you, while you push them as well. It works.
Your before picture- You often don’t realize how far you’ve come. Taking before and after pictures allow you to visually see your progress, making you want to push yourself further.
The scale- It’s not motivating to weigh yourself every day, as your weight fluctuates. But if you weigh yourself once a week, you’ll be motivated to have it keep going down, instead of up. Combine the scale with the measuring tape, and measure your waist.
Make a Workout Playlist– put together songs that energize you when you listen to them. Change up the playlist every few weeks so the playlist stays fresh and motivating.
Make it fun- Many people don’t work out because they look at it as work. Make exercise Fun! Incorporate the children, maybe the dog. Whatever you do, don’t allow it to be a chore.
Get up! Get Motivated! Get Fit! If this is not motivation enough, look at the attached image as number 11. What’s your excuse?