Human beings are fickle creatures. We easily tire of the same things day-in and day-out, whether it’s the daily grind or eating the same meals every week. There’s something in us that craves the novel, the thrilling. Unfortunately, life isn’t all adrenaline rushes and new experiences.
The honeymoon phase always fades, too. Projects lose their allure, motivation wanes, and we find ourselves really not wanting to do the things we once felt so inspired to accomplish.
While this lack of motivation can impact just about every area of life, I want to focus on motivation and fitness.
It’s been on my mind because honestly? The summer is hot. Even if we’re not talking about the heat waves plaguing much of the country, Tennessee summers are always unbearable — especially in July and August. It’s that take-your-breath-away heat combined with the humidity that makes you feel like you’re breathing soup.
In that kind of weather, working up the enthusiasm to go on a run is a challenge, even for me.
So how do you stay motivated and working towards your fitness goals when you really don’t feel it?
5 Tips for Reaching Fitness Goals When Your Enthusiasm is Gone
1) Think of Motivation like Love
“Love is not a feeling to be felt, it is an action to be learned.” — John Powell
Losing your motivation can feel similar to when the spark is gone from a relationship. How many times have we heard the heartbreaking declaration that people have fallen “out of love” or that they just “don’t love each other anymore”?
I’m not going to pretend to know all of the nuances of other people’s relationships, but on the surface, this very much sounds like love — and the relationship — relied on feelings rather than intentional action and effort.
Like love, motivation demands action. Not feelings. Motivation has far more to do with discipline than it does enthusiasm. If you want long-term motivation, you have to make it about more than what you’re feeling that day.
2) Remind Yourself of Why
If you don’t have a reason for doing something, you’re not likely to keep doing it past the point of personal enjoyment. And believe me, meeting your fitness goals is tough. It’s not always enjoyable. But if it was easy, it wouldn’t be worth doing!
Remind yourself of why you started on this fitness journey in the first place. Strength is found in a combination of internal and external motivators.
An internal motivator, for example, might be the desire to lose weight or to feel better and more capable in your day-to-day life. An external motivator might be the desire to improve your health for the sake of your spouse, children, or grandchildren. Not only do you want to be there for them, but you want to have the ability and physical fortitude to make that time worthwhile.
Remind yourself of all of the reasons you have to pursue your fitness goals!
3) Stay Accountable
Accountability is key when motivation fades. Connect with like-minded fitness buddies who can encourage you to stay on track. You want people who aren’t going to mince words. You’re going to need some tough love. Unfortunately, some people are enablers who will justify all of your reasons not to do something. Enablers make bad accountability partners.
Find the people who will spur you on to greater heights — not those who want you to do what you want to do.
4) Add Some Variety
Mix things up. Sometimes your routine just isn’t working anymore. Even if you intend to return to it in the future, a little variety can help renew your motivation. Try a new workout routine, a new running trail. Swap in some strength training or other forms of cardio. Ride your bike, go swimming, or pick up a sport.
You can reignite your motivation by trying something new and enjoyable. You can break from the doldrums and still work towards your health and fitness goals.
5) Remove Excuses
We all have excuses. Too tired. Too much hassle. Too busy. Too expensive.
Don’t go looking for excuses and eliminate the ones that you can. For example, too tired to work out after work? Get up early and do it first. Too much hassle? Take your workout clothes and shoes with you to work and skip the extra stop home. Too busy? Forgo that hour-long show and get moving instead. You can always make time for things that are important. Cost getting in the way? Pick equipment-free workouts.
If you want to stay motivated, diffuse your excuses.
How do you stay on track when motivation fades? Share what keeps you going in the comments.