Motivation can be difficult, and I struggle with it far too often. It is easy to understand the benefits of excercise, and if you have ever completed an intense workout then you can understand how amazing you feel afterwards. The endorphin rush, the sense of accomplishment, the exhausted muscles that hang around as a reminder that you have changed your body for the better. There are very few things in life that can give you that feeling. When I struggle to get motivated, I try to remember those feelings, and that’s enough to get me going. And if I am really struggling, I will set a goal to do something very small immediately - like a quick set of pushups, or a single set of dumbbell curls - enough to leave that small muscle exhaustion feeling. Its minor, but it is a goal accomplished. That is usually enough of a spark to get back into the right mindset!
I remind myself that I want to have a productive day with a good start. I drink water, eat a healthy breakfast, and exercise before I get distracted by anything that’s not urgent. And I love feeling accomplished!
You need to have a goal in mind. Motivation won’t always be there so think of your goal. Is it to be healthy or to lose a few pounds or to be able to run a half marathon? Whatever it is, use that goal to get yourself to the gym or to get out of bed in the morning. You’ll feel so much better for it. Go get it!
Just be moving once you get out of bed. Stretching is a fantastic way to do this. Also jog in place and/or jumping jacks.
I use the 5 second rule. Count to 5 and at the end do whatever it is. Force yourself after the 5 seconds to do it and if you continue to do this by the time you say 5 you will be ready to do things you don’t want to do
I had to start eliminating the things that I used to stop myself from doing it. E.g television, sleeping in late, alcohol, weed. I made a note on my phone and got rid of one a week. 21 days makes a habit. 90 a lifestyle. Each time I make it to 21 days , I get a celebratory emoji 🥳 Sounds small but it worked. With my excuses out of the way, it was easier to build healthier habits.
When I wake up I remember how far I have come. That each day I must do this because it’s a long process not short and each day I do it I get better.
I think about how great I feel after doing some exercise. I have to admit that sometimes I find it hard to find motivation, because I’m tired or I don’t have much time, but then I remember how happy I am after running or doing yoga for a while. You will find the motivation too!
I do something I already enjoy while I’m exercising. For me that’s listening to a fun audiobook or podcast. I also recommend starting wit her exercise that’s REALLY easy. So easy that it’s almost not exercising. For me that’s walking. And on the days where I can’t get out of bed, I do the minimum 8 minutes that Fabulous suggests of arm workouts while sitting in my bed in my PJs. Doing something small in the morning helps me to be energized to do something more intense or that requires more effort to start later in the day.
I go for a walk most days, and I do have trouble when it’s pouring rain or below freezing out. But otherwise I enjoy the route I’ve picked out for myself, and the time of day—the flowers, the trees, and the quiet. I look forward to it and miss it on the odd day when the weather is so bad that I have to substitute some other form of exercise.
Answers reflect the personal experiences of Fabulous community members. They are not medical or professional advice — for guidance about your health, talk to a qualified professional.
