The Struggle is Real: Unpacking the Challenges of Fitness Motivation
Sometimes this dog is my spirit animal. Anyone else?
We've all been there, myself included! January 1st rolls around, or we have an important trip coming up that sparks motivation for new fitness goals. You say to yourself, "This time, I'm really going to do it! I'm going to lose 15lbs and get fit so that I feel confident and good about myself." And so, the journey begins. The first few weeks are tough but good! You feel like the pinnacle of health and wellness, just like the holistic girlies on Instagram, and you're feeling confident about your ability to crush this fitness goal. But as time goes on, life gets in the way, drama happens that throws you off your game, and your motivation starts to dwindle. And if you're anything like me, sometimes you start to beat yourself up for falling off the wagon in the first place, which turns into a spiral of negativity that doesn't make it easier to get back to your goals.
Heading into your fitness journey is often painted as a smooth, straight road toward feeling healthy and energetic. We're surrounded by shiny pictures of toned bodies, success stories of incredible transformations, and slogans urging us to "Just do it" or "Push harder." But for so many of us, the truth is far from this dreamy image. The path to fitness often feels more like a roller coaster ride, with our motivation going up and down like a yoyo. So why is maintaining motivation just as challenging as the workout sometimes?
Instant Gratification vs. Long-term Goals: In a world where we're used to getting things right here, right now, sticking to a fitness journey can seem like quite the challenge. The results we're after usually need time and consistency, and this mismatch between wanting fast results and the reality of slow but steady progress can dampen motivation.
The Plateau Effect: After initial progress, it's common to hit a plateau where results seem to stall despite continued effort. This can be incredibly frustrating, because it feels like all the hard work isn’t bringing you results anymore. Overcoming plateaus requires perseverance and a shift in mindset, which can be challenging, but it's all part of the game.
Life Gets in the Way: Work deadlines, family commitments, unexpected emergencies – life has a way of throwing curveballs that can derail even the most well-intentioned fitness plans. But remember, it's all about balance! Don't let the hustle and bustle get you down. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, and it's totally normal to lose motivation sometimes. But hang in there, your fitness journey is a marathon, not a sprint!
Comparison Trap: With social media, it's easier than ever to compare ourselves to others. Seeing seemingly perfect bodies and impressive progress photos can make you feel down, as if you’re not doing enough and can diminish your own motivation. It's so important to remind ourselves that everyone's journey is different. Celebrate your own personal progress, starting from where you were, rather than getting lost in someone else's highlights reel!
Lack of Support: Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can make all the difference in staying motivated. But, I understand that not everyone has the chance to be part of such a community. When there's no one to cheer us on or keep us accountable, it can feel a bit lonely and hard to stay motivated. But remember, you should always be your biggest fan. Cheer yourself on when no one else will and know I’m always rooting for you!
Burnout and Overtraining: Remember, it's okay to take a break sometimes! Pushing too hard without giving yourself enough time to rest and recover might make you feel burnt out and less motivated. Listen to your body and incorporate rest days into your routine to prevent physical and mental exhaustion.
Mindset Shifts: Motivation can be a bit like a rollercoaster ride because it's influenced by our mindset, which in turn can be swayed by your mood, stress levels, and what's happening around us. The trick to keeping our motivation levels up is to nurture a resilient mindset. I know it’s easier said than done but try to think of setbacks as stepping stones for growth. That's the secret to staying motivated in the long run!
Try to remember that motivation isn't something set in stone. It's actually a skill that you can nurture and grow over time! Setting achievable goals, finding activities that bring you joy, asking for a helping hand when needed, and being kind to yourself can help you ride the waves of your fitness journey with grit and purpose. So here's to embracing the journey, cheering for every bit of progress you make, and reminding yourself that every tiny step forward is bringing you closer to your goals. You got this!