Going to a new class is amazing! You start to learn new things and meet new people, but how do we stay motivated to keep going when the weather’s rubbish, there’s something good on telly, or insert any other excuse here?
The most effective way to stick at something is to make it fun – if you enjoy it you’ll do it! Have a laugh while you are doing it – maybe invite a friend and have a bit of a natter beforehand. Or maybe even a bit of healthy competition to challenge yourselves.
Make a goal board. I know, I know, you’ve heard this before… But they do work! Just the simple act of writing it down will make it more likely to happen. A study found that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them and stick to them. If you prefer visual things, why not make a picture goal board with everything you want to achieve within a certain timeframe on?! On mine, I have 15 pictures representing all the things I want to achieve in the next year. I have it laminated (then I can’t change it) and put it on the wall above the kettle so I see it every morning, and I can think each morning about what I can do that day to take a step towards my goals.
Give yourself a reward when you hit a goal or stepping stone towards a goal. It could be something to help you on your goal such as a new pair of trainers, or something for you like a manicure or massage, or something you really enjoy like watching and re-watching your favourite film or going out with your friends or family.
Here’s a big one… Have a reason to do it.
Some reasons could be…
To:
- Improve flexibility
- Build strength
- Improve posture
- Improve joint health
- Regulate your blood pressure
- Improve your mood
- Better mental health
- Better overall physical health
- Manage weight
- Self-care
- Relax and de-stress
- Improve balance
- Improve sleep
Whatever you do, don’t mentally beat yourself up if you miss a week or a class. Life happens, work happens, family happens, sh*t happens. Be gentle with yourself! Sometimes we do just need a break from life. But remember your physical health matters, so jump straight back in at the next opportunity and keep challenging yourself.
Use active motivation – most people think they need to feel motivated to start something when the truth is that you often feel more motivated once you have actually started working on the goal. It is the result of action, not the cause of it.
If you’re still feeling unmotivated, remember the four R’s:
Reminder – Use a cue or alarm to remind you about the event/habit
Routine – The reminders will create a routine, but you have to take the action
Reason – The more important the reason is to you, the more likely you are to stick to it
Reward – Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements
Change is possible!! It takes time and effort, but it is worth it.
Love and light always
Chantelle xx