Being in the fitness industry, I hear people constantly talking about their struggles to stay motivated. Does that sound like you? Not for long, because I am going to help you fix it!
When it comes to setting your fitness goal, the first thing that you need to do is establish a clear, realistic goal. When all is said and done, what do you want to look like? What do you want to feel like? How will you feel when you get there? Keep those thoughts in your head.
Example – I started Body Beast on December 10th. My starting point was 176.2 pounds. My goal is to weigh in at 182 or more (yes my goal is to gain weight) on February 10th, which is my birthday. Gain 6 pounds of muscle on 60 days. That is a realistic, time specific goal. I have a program to follow on order to achieve it. Now, the only thing in my way is me.
So, what is motivating you? There are 2 types of motivation, intrinsic and extrinsic.
- Extrinsic means that you are being motivated by an outside source. You study for a test in order to get a good grade. You go to college to get the job that you want.
- Intrinsic means that you are motivated internally. You go bowling because you enjoy it. You read a book because you enjoy reading.
When it comes to fitness, it is important to find what really motivated you. If you want to lose weight because you want someone else to like you, that is your extrinsic motivation. If you are doing it to feel better about yourself, that is intrinsic. Often times achieving your goals will deliver on both ends.
The Team Beachbody Challenge is a great example.
You follow the program and nutrition guide in order to achieve your fitness goals. In the end, you feel better about yourself, you lose weight, you are healthier, and you have a chance to win up t0 $100,000. That is a great blend of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
What is it that motivates you? If you do not have a good answer, you need to figure it out. Whether you want to get fit to feel better, look better, perform better or live longer, figure it out. WRITE IT DOWN! Look at your goal and why you want to achieve it each day.
