Buzz
Motivation can be as unpredictable as the wind, often fading before it helps you achieve your goals. So, how do others keep it alive? Start by understanding that health and fitness are a continuous journey, much like every other aspect of life. Next, pinpoint what drives you so you can rely on it when necessary.
Leo Babauta of Zen Habits highlights five traits that are excellent for learning new skills. We’ve tailored them slightly to fit your health and fitness journey. Here’s what they are:
Curiosity: A genuine interest in improving your health and fitness is crucial. Embrace this curiosity by questioning what changes could enhance how you feel, move, eat, sleep, and live. For instance, when you come across a new technique or suggestion, don’t accept it blindly—experiment to see if it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
Trying New Things: As Leo points out, this ties closely with curiosity. Broadening your horizons in an enjoyable way, to find joy in movement or activity, can breathe new life into a stale routine. Remember the saying, “You never know until you try!”
Doing It With Someone Else: Foster friendly competition and, more importantly, accountability by teaming up with a friend. Leo emphasizes, “...while personal goals are important, striving for someone else can be incredibly motivating.”
Caring Deeply About It: Many people are driven by the desire to improve their health (and, let’s be honest, to look more attractive). While these are strong motivators, they often lack staying power. To uncover your true motivation, keep asking yourself why you want to make a change. For instance, if your goal is to lose 10 pounds, ask yourself why. Is it to look better? Then, ask why looking better matters to you. Keep digging until you find your ultimate reason.
To Prove That You Can Tackle Challenges: Overcoming tough tasks can be daunting. As Leo puts it:
For years, I gave up when things got hard. But that’s precisely when meaningful growth occurs—when you push through difficulties and resist the urge to quit. True learning happens in uncomfortable situations, and quitting prematurely prevents us from mastering anything. My recent motivation has been to prove to myself that I can persevere through tough challenges. So far, I’m succeeding.
Additionally, Leo’s post highlights types of motivation that can hinder progress in learning (and, by extension, health goals). Visit the blog post below to discover better ways to maintain your motivation—yes, that elusive drive.
Image courtesy of Nomad’s Memories.
