With the new year off to a start, it’s highly likely we’ve all got the goals we’re looking to accomplish this time around.
For some, it’s getting that promotion they’ve been eyeing for a while, whereas others want to travel more and see this wondrous world.
However, the most common resolution we set is to work out more in the coming year, and while it sounds simple enough, a horrifying amount give up on this dream by the end of January, some even sooner.
Finding the proper motivation to press on is key, and this article will aim to push you in the right direction and teach you to stay on course.
Be Ambitious
Knowing what you’re working towards is sometimes all the motivation you may need, but it’s not the same for everybody.
But, if this does work for you, it may become even more effective if you begin writing your goals down and keeping track of your progress.
Additionally, you can employ the strategy of inconsistent framing for the goals you’ve set for yourself.
This means that while it may sound difficult to work out 5 days a week, it’s much simpler to progress towards allowing yourself only to miss a workout twice.
By doing this, you remove the majority of the guilt you’d feel with a consistent goal frame, and it’s been proven to work wonders.
Set up a routine
Having a daily or weekly routine to follow can be a great way to stay motivated.
If you’re able to develop a weekly pattern for your workouts, you’re much more likely to continue following it even after the first month.
One way to help you do this is to insert small rituals like folding your workout clothes at a set time or having your morning coffee a little differently every time you plan on working out.
While some coaches do recommend even sleeping in your workout clothes the night before, as it allows you to just get up and go in the morning, staying hygienic is equally as important as your workout schedule.
Invite some friends to join
Working out alone can be taxing, especially if you’re not equipped with some sort of device that you can listen to music or a podcast.
Even then, walking to the local gym only to work out in silence for an hour does get stale, and it’s part of the reason why so many people work out in pairs.
It’s also useful as it means there’s someone waiting for you at the gym, meaning that you can’t laze around on the couch all day and postpone your goals.
Additionally, if a pair isn’t enough, you can join a group activity to enjoy all the social aspects that come with it if that floats your boat.
However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a workout either, as you could just have regular morning walks/jogs with your friends to stay in shape.
It doesn’t have to be in a gym
A gym membership isn’t exactly something everyone can afford, and with so many other expenses to keep track of, it’s no wonder.
Despite this, it doesn’t mean you can’t stay in shape with minimum costs, as working out in the comfort of your own home is just as valid.
Any spare room or section of a room that you’ve freed up can easily become the designated area for your daily workout, and some may even enjoy it more than working out among others.
In fact, you can even use the hundreds of fitness apps at your disposal to make up for the lack of any knowledge you may have regarding the exercises you’re planning on doing.
These can also help you set up a health schedule and stay on top of the exercises you’ve got planned for the upcoming week.
Rewards help you stay motivated
It’s important to give yourself motivation in small dosages throughout your journey to your end goal, and you can do this by rewarding yourself for each milestone you reach.
Learning to cherish the feeling of a good workout is a big step to it becoming a part of your daily life, and it helps turn it into a long-term commitment.
However, internal rewards aren’t everything, and treating yourself to a nice meal on a cheat day or to a new pair of runners can be just as good.
Just know how to balance these two out so you’re not working out for a reward, but rather, for your own well-being.
Final word
The first workout is probably going to be the hardest, but learning to push past your limits and bring some physical activity into your life is extremely important.
Naturally, this doesn’t imply that you should overwork yourself or set unrealistic goals.
What you should really be doing is working towards improving your health and lifestyle, and once that idea has been set, only then can you begin working towards some bigger goals.