”I wish I was like you…I just don’t like working out.”
or…
“I’m just not good at working out…its hard.”
Confession #1: I don’t love working out all the time.
Confesson #2: Its Hard. Especially when you start.
And when it starts getting easier, you have to change it up to make it harder again to reap any real benefits.
It’s easy for people to think that I love working out. For years I challenged and pushed my body to the limit. But remember, I had something to train for….my life was so regimented and structured towards my physical performance- training for myself, my teammates, for a championship. When all that was gone it was a huge adjustment.
Now, I fit my workouts in between naps and school pick ups! I have had to find other reasons and motivations to stay fit! Sure, there’s times where I feel called to go for a run, or a lift. But there are A LOT of days that I can think of 100 other things I should be doing or could be doing, especially as a mom. Time is always so limited and I feel the pressure of work, childcare, housework…alllll of the things.
So here’s the truth: I love how working out makes me feel, I don’t necessarily LOVE doing it.
Working out gives me Confidence. I feel strong, and healthy, and feel like I can do anything after working out. I’m addicted to the FEELING working out gives me. And that’s the truth! But the actual moments when I’m working out…well…a lot of days I could really give those a hard pass.
So, how do I motivate myself when I don’t love it every single day?
Discipline: Honestly, discipline is what gets me through every single day. Discipline is the difference between what you want NOW…and what you want most. I can’t tell you how many times I bring this quote up in my head on the DAILY. Mental strength is huge…you can do whatever you put your mind to! Recognize that discipline is what will get you results, not necessarily motivation. Motivation can fade in and out, discipline is engrained. DISCIPLINE IS LEARNED AND IT IS NEVER TOO LATE. THE MORE YOU DO IT, THE BETTER YOU WILL BECOME AT BEING DISCIPLINED.
Don’t Negotiate: Getting my workouts in is pretty much non negotiable time for me. Whether that means I’m grabbing the kids and going for a bike ride & I run, or I get a quick 30 min in the basement….I don’t second guess it. I always, always use my “10 minute rule” on days where I’m just not feeling it! This means that I give myself 10 minutes of a workout. If I’m still feeling sluggish/lethargic/not feeling it after 10 minutes, then I’ll call it quits. But honestly…10/10 my endorphins have already started to flow and I’m feeling it and NEVER regret it. Try it.
Routine: The biggest part of changing your lifestyle is making it a routine. They say it takes 28 days…so persevere. Your body and health is worth it.
Roll with the punches: Some days things get busy and hectic. Don’t beat yourself up. I still struggle with this sometimes. Don’t cave to the “hustle culture”. Sometimes less is more. Move on. Tomorrow is a new day.
Have a plan: Having a plan of attack is important. Educate yourself, come up with a plan, and execute. If you feel lost, you’re never going to follow through and you won’t enjoy it.
Invest: If you have more skin in the game, you’re more likely to follow through. Invest in a trainer, an online program, or equipment in your basement. Do I really need to convince you that you need to invest in your body? You only get one. You can’t buy a new one.
Realize that fitness is a marathon, not a sprint: Know that the fitness journey is a long one, especially when you are trying to get fit. It can be lonely. And frustrating. You will quite possibly go weeks, or even months, without feeling like you’ve progressed. Getting fit is HARD. If it was easy, everyone would do it. But know that your hard work & discipline WILL pay off …maybe not tomorrow, or next week, but it will pay off. I’m nearing almost 2 years postpartum and I feel extremely frustrated at times. BUT I look back at photos and realize how far I’ve come. Take a deep breath. We live in a very “instant” society. Embrace the grind and the process. Good things come to those who are patient and trust the process.
Lastly…don’t give in to the culture: Yes, your body is amazing. Yes, respect your body. Love your body. But respect it enough to look after it. REPEAT AFTER ME: THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH WANTING MORE FOR YOURSELF.
Happy Monday friends! Let’s get after this week!