Q&A: how do I stay motivated?

Question from a reader: I would like to start going to the gym but i just dont have any motivation and its the same with starting a diet. What shall i do to start/keep being motivated?

My answer: Motivation is your responsibility. You have to own it by taking responsibility for it and then maintaining it. One key factor is to surround yourself with people and products that promote being in shape. Instead of joining a gym where you work out on your own, join a small group fitness class where everyone knows everyone else and will expect them to come to class. Crossfit, kettlebell classes, etc. do an excellent job of this. That expectation and the fact that you’ll let your teammates down if you don’t show will help get you through the times when motivation is tough.

Second, I subscribe to fitness magazines so my house has lots of reinforcement to stay in shape hanging around. I, my wife and my kids get constant reinforcement on the coffee table, the dining table, the bookcase, the mail, etc. that other people are staying in shape and we should, too. In between doing other things, we look at these magazines and have a positive body image reinforced and that helps fight the laziness.

Third, you would really benefit from working out first thing in the morning. This will be hard to do at first, but you need to think of it as a routine you get into, NOT something you do when you feel like it. 5-6 days a week you will get up and exercise. Period. Exercising in the morning benefits you because then your exercise routine isn’t subject to the difficulties and stresses that occur during the day. Too many people wait until later in the day or at night to exercise and by then the day has worn them out. Working out in the morning gives you a energy and confidence boost because you start the day with a success rather than setting you up for failure when you don’t work out in the evening.

Owning your lack of motivation is both very scary and very empowering. So many people in today’s society want to blame external factors for their lack of motivation. They blame lack of time, energy, the job, the kids, the weather (seriously, I’ve heard this many times), etc. to such an extent that they have no control over their lives. In fact, they’ll put that blame anywhere but where it should be — on themselves. We do this because personal responsibility is frowned upon today. Being a victim is in vogue and will completely sabotage your fitness efforts. Own it and you gain an immediate sense of control over your life. It’s incredibly empowering.

Hope that helps.