Starting a fitness journey is something new and exciting, but after a little while, it is common to lose motivation. Especially if you aren't seeing progress right away, it is easy to lose sight of your goals and stop focusing on your health. No matter what your end goal is, use some of these tricks to stay motivated like it is day one of your journey. Stay disciplined and be able to feel your body and mind transform into a healthier, better version of you.
Set Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
If you just say you want to lose 20 pounds by the end of the year, it may be harder for you to arrive there. That is a great goal to have, but to make it easier to obtain, set short-term goals in the meantime. If you want to lose 20 pounds by the end of the year, then set an additional goal for this week. This week workout 4 times. Next week you can build on the short goal. Next week workout 4 times and cut out sweets. This will make your long-term goal easier to maintain and will keep motivation higher because you will be achieving little goals on your way to the big one.
This is Self-Care
Remember, you deserve this. Whether you are working out for twenty minutes a day, trying to eat healthier, or even just spending more time with your family, you owe it to yourself. After a long day at work, put time aside to focus on you. Just as you brush your teeth every day as self-care, put time aside to work to your long-term goals.
Bring someone into the process with you
It is easy to let ourselves slip, but if you bring a partner into the journey with you, it’s easier to hold each other accountable because they will rely on you as well. Try this. At the end of the night, send your motivation partner what you ate today. Don’t cheat. If you are embarrassed because you ate that ice cream after dinner, make sure to skip it tomorrow so your daily diet looks better. You will also now have somebody to workout with and who is experiencing the same thing as you are. The motivation will continue because you won’t want to let your partner down.
Keep it fun
There is no way you will be motivated to work out if it means you are going to be running on a treadmill monotonously every day. Do what you enjoy doing. If you love history, walk the National Mall in DC and check out the monuments. Love to watch sports? Sign up for a pickup league. Make your hobbies into your workouts and your goal will be reached in no time.
