When Motivation Isn't Enough

Have you ever felt you were working towards your goals and then suddenly you become unmotivated to complete them?

I have been on a fitness journey for most of my life. But, I have never reached the level of dedication needed to actually get in shape. I have watched countless bloggers, YouTubers, talk about how they have achieved their goals but nothing has worked for me thus for but pushing through.

I have learned 5 key things on this journey and I'm only now starting to break through. So, as I slowly move towards my health goals this what I learned:

1. What works for one, does not work for all. 
Stop comparing your health journey to someone else. We are all unique and our bodies are different, what works for someone else may not work for you. Use the stories from others as motivation to keep going, your results may just beyond your timeline.

2. Give yourself a break
I set a goal for myself, and I have stumbled the whole way but I have always found myself getting back on the horse and pushing through. I have been so strict on myself to the point I had to start giving myself a break. Meaning a cheat meal, cheat day, or a cheat weekend. Nothing beyond two days. Even though this is not dieting protocall, I needed this for me because I have a tendency of binge eating and falling off the wagon. Sometimes, that one meal you have been missing for months is all you need to recommit for the next day.

3. Music...
Music is such a powerful tool. I could be tired and about to give up but I will hear and song that will help me push through or push harder. It's one of the reasons I take a lot of Hip-Hop classes on the Peleton bike. The music gets me hyped and ready. And, I have started to complied playlist on Spotify that I use when I just ride. I'll start sharing those.

4. Dressing the part
I have said this before but a good workout outfit can do wonders for your self esteem but I would be lying if it motivated me to workout. But, accompanied with #3 it does give me extra confidence and push. That little push may be all we need to go for that run or get on that bike. That's why when I get home I immediately change into my workout gear so I have no excuse. This works about 50% of the time. Hence me jumping on the Fabletics bandwagon. They actually have a lot affordable outfit that have become staples in my wardrobe

5. Don't focus on the end goal, Focus on the process
It's easy to say that you want to lose twenty pounds but it's more important to find an exercise you love and focus on changing your diet. Don't worry about the number because if you are doing the things you are supposed to you will lose weight. Best advice someone gave me was to make the process fun and not a chore.

I hope this helps anyone that is trying to start a new lifestyle but at the end of the day the most important thing to do is start. And, trying to spend too much money on all these different workout plans, there are so many apps : Sweat, Peloton, Nike, etc...

So, what do you do when motivation in not enough? So, what are you doing to up your health game in 2020?