Self-Motivation Versus Self-Accountability
Raise your hand if you need help with self-motivation. We've all been there... you set your alarm to get in a workout before work, only to lay there in the morning when it goes off thinking of an excuse to validate hitting snooze. You are not alone. I mean it’s hardly even fair given how comfy our beds and pillows are!
When it comes to health and fitness, the number one thing that people struggle with is accountability. Often, we are the only ones holding ourselves accountable, which makes us more likely to be lax when it comes to creating and sticking with good habits!
Sure, the world has created mechanisms for helping with accountability. There are apps, trackers, challenges, contests, programs, goal setting, etc. But guess what! Each of those things still requires self-accountability. That’s right! A tracker only works if you input your information consistently and accurately. An app only holds you accountable if you open it up each day.
Believe me, I am a huge fan of accountability helpers. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to YOU and your commitment to the goal that you set for yourself. No buddy system or month-long challenge is going to be a cure-all if you haven’t found an effective way to stay motivated!
As a virtual personal trainer, I know a thing or two about motivating others, but it’s a whole different game when it comes to motivating yourself. Often times we can be our own worst critics and our own worst enablers. So how do we break the cycle and find a way to truly motivate ourselves? I’m sharing my four favorite tricks for sticking to your health and fitness goals that will make you a self-motivating machine!
Set Realistic Goals. If you’ve been binge-watching Netflix all pandemic long, don’t sign up for a marathon next month. Make shorter-term goals that are attainable, rather than setting huge goals that you’re likely to fall short on. Aim for increasing your weight by a pound by the end of the month. Or add a quarter mile to your walk each week.
Create a Plan. Plan your workouts at least a week at a time and schedule them into your day. You will be much more likely to get in a half-hour workout if it’s on your calendar already than if you just try to squeeze it in throughout your day. Think of it as an important meeting that you can’t blow off!
Make it Fun! Being healthy does not have to be torture. Think of things you like doing and incorporate them into your plan. For me, I love being outside in the fresh air, so I make sure I plan to take my son out in his stroller at least twice a week. Sometimes I run, sometimes I walk, but I’m outside and being active. Try a workout class with a friend, dance it out in your bedroom for a few songs, go on a hike.
Celebrate Small Wins. You don’t have to fit into your high school jeans to feel successful! Small wins can be things like sticking to your workout plan. Not hitting snooze for an entire week. Or simply looking in the mirror and feeling really strong! But be careful how you reward yourself. Instead of splurging for that plate of nachos (although we do all deserve a nacho from time to time), treat yourself to a new workout top and that water bottle you’ve had your eye on! Reward yourself with something that is going to keep you motivated and moving forward.
It’s not easy, but it’s the best gift you can give yourself. If you need a place to get started, or just want to change up your fitness routine, sign up for my virtual personal training program Body in Motion and take my Four Week Tone-up Challenge. This challenge gives you what you need to follow the four tricks we just talked about.
1. Realistic Goal: Completing the four-week challenge!
2. Plan: You can opt to receive weekly or daily workout emails with a schedule design to tone your entire body in 30 minutes or less each day!
3. Fun: Each of my workouts is designed to be fun and energizing and each week you get two active rest days to switch it up and do something out of the norm!
4. Celebrate: (My favorite part of being a personal trainer) Share your progress through the challenge by tagging @thefitgirlwithcurls and I will celebrate your small wins right along with you!!
So, let’s get out there and motivate ourselves to live the healthiest and happiest lifestyles we can! Sign up for the Body in Motion membership today and be sure to check out the 4-week strength program to kick-start your progress!