When Motivation Sucks

Motivation is the “why” behind our choices. As individuals, we are all influenced and motivated by different things.

Sometimes we understand why we make certain decisions. Sometimes, we are on auto-pilot.

Weight loss and health are no different. People often wonder how to get or stay motivated. One key thing to remember is that motivation levels can vary.

Motivation is not constant. It can be overridden by day-to-day life.

Life can present stressful moments that put a damper on our moods, energy and willpower. Some days will be absolutely amazing, while others may require more energy than you feel that you can muster.

When this happens, it is important to remember that it is normal. 

 During these times, we can rely on the healthful habits that we build to carry us through, rather than giving in to the allure of “when I feel like it”.

 Sometimes, we can get caught in the trap of all-or-nothing thinking. We feel like if we can’t do everything, then we won’t do anything. I used to do this with my eating habits. If I “blew” my diet, I would go all out and “start again tomorrow”. What I didn’t realize is that I could start over anytime, including that present moment or the very next one.

Today was a good example of me not being motivated to workout… I was tired, stressed and overwhelmed. I had not gotten into the gym like I had planned, and my energy was gone.

I pulled the blinds, went to the garage and pulled out my very dusty bike (Airdyne stationary) and put it on the patio.

It wasn’t about being motivated to workout. It was about being motivated to get out:

Out of my head …

Out of my fears…

Out of my anxiety…

Out of my “brain cage”… 

 Another trap that we can fall into is waiting to  feel motivated. I’ve succumbed to this on many occasions. At my worst, I was going to the gym faithfully and one day  I didn’t feel like it. That day turned into a week…which turned into months. It was almost a year before I went back. Even now, as a trainer, sometimes I have to drag myself into the gym. On those days, I focus on doing the basics and congratulate myself for just going at all. That, too, is normal.

Finally, but certainly not the last tool in the box, develop and include a social support system. This may be friends, family, social media or your personal trainer/coach. 

 When I first started my own weight loss journey, I bought a FITBIT downloaded the app, joined a Fitbit Facebook group and connected with other like-minded individuals. I entered daily and weekly Fitbit competitions with strangers and I had a blast. We were able to help and support each other.

I still use it with clients and friends.

Takeaways and strategies:

• Motivation fluctuates
• Are you tired, stressed, anxious?
• Stress can make things more difficult
• Do not judge yourself if you can’t seem to get going
• Make “micro-goals” and accomplish something small…the little things add up
• Do not wait to “feel” motivated
• Establish a support system
• Set realistic goals that you can attain
• Remember why you started and where you want to go
• Weigh the pros and cons of staying where you are
• Identify things that you enjoy and use your strengths to accomplish those things