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The past year or so has been challenging for me in many ways. There have been lots of ups and downs, to say the least! I’ve had everything from weddings to new babies to having my appendix removed and dealing with a couple of other health issues. With all that “life” happening, I wasn’t as focused on my workouts as I had previously been. I kept up with regular workouts for the most part but now that I’ve started marathon training again, I feel like I’m struggling and I definitely don’t run as fast as I did last year. And some days I’m just tired and unmotivated.
I could make all of the excuses in the world but I have goals. And the truth is that I’ve worked really hard and know that my current goals are achievable. Since I had never been an athlete, I truly started at the beginning of my fitness journey. For me, that was walking several times a week. From the beginning goal of walking a 5K, I set bigger goals and wanted to start running. That didn’t start off very well but I stuck with it and, over time, got stronger and ran further. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would go on to become an ultramarathon runner. But, with small changes in my fitness routine and nutrition, I have been able to accomplish so much. If a non-athlete like me can become an ultramarathoner, anyone can do it! (You can read more about my journey from 5k to 50k here.)
Even though fitness is a part of my daily life, I’m not always motivated to get moving. To help combat the occasional motivational slump, I created this list of tips that gets me excited again. Hopefully you’ll find something in this list to motivate you too!
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Tips to Rediscover Your Motivation
- Revisit your why. You had a reason for starting this journey. What was that reason? Do you need to revise your why for your current situation? For me, I started running to lose a few pounds and to set a healthy example for my kids. Now that I’m at a healthy weight and my kids are grown, I run to stay active and push myself a little more.
- Buy yourself something new. Nothing motivates me to get out and run more than new running shoes. You don’t have to spend a lot of money though – something simple like a cute headband or pair of socks can work just as well.
- Read or listen to something that inspires you. We all have challenges to deal with in life but there are tons of inspiring stories of people doing amazing things. Maybe your story won’t be so dramatic but you never know who you might inspire yourself. Some of my favorite stories are about regular people who have done extraordinary things.
- Take away the pressure. I’ve been known to put too much pressure on myself and to slog through a workout even though I was too tired just because it was on my schedule. Add in some flexibility and take away the pressure. If you have a hard workout scheduled for today but just aren’t feeling it, try swapping it for another day’s work out with an easier day. Or even take a rest day if you need it. Missing one workout won’t make or break a goal.
- Make a new playlist. Sometimes a new playlist with fresh, fun music is just the thing to get you out the door. Try some new songs that make you want to move and sing along.
- Take a break. Sometimes we all need a break. If the thought of running makes you want to cry, take a break from it and try something different. You won’t lose any fitness with a short hiatus. Try a different activity like yoga or Zumba – or anything that excites you!
- Join a club or find a partner. Accountability is a huge motivation. Joining a club or finding a workout partner allows you to motivate one another. Plus it’s more fun to work out with someone. There are plenty of running and walking clubs in most areas as well as mommy fitness groups. You might even end up making some new friends.
- Encourage someone in a different place in their journey. Now that fitness is a regular part of my life, it’s easy to get frustrated with my current level of fitness. Remembering where I started is helpful for me to put things in perspective. Encouraging someone just starting out is a great way to motivate not only them, but you as well. One of my favorite ways to do this is with a gift basket of some of my favorite treats that I know they’ll love as well. Here’s how I like putting together a motivation basket with a few simple items from Walmart:
Select a cute basket or box. I liked the heart on this one since fitness is so good for the heart.
Add in a workout tank with an inspiring message. This one is my favorite because it’s one that I designed. It’s soft, comfy and perfect for running outside or hitting the gym. I also threw in a cute headband too since nothing is more annoying than hair in my face!
To incorporate #3, add in one of your favorite motivational stories. I’ve read through this book a couple of times and love the inspiring stories and what a difference running makes in people’s lives.
Throw in a delicious treat. One of my favorite snacks are these goodnessknows® snack squares. I found them near the checkout stand at Walmart. Sometimes the candy by the checkout is tempting so it’s nice to see a great snack option like these.
They are made with real fruit, dark chocolate and whole nuts and come in perfectly-sized bite-size portions. Since I find it very difficult to pick just one flavor, I put in one of each – goodnessknows® Cranberry, Almond, Dark Chocolate, goodnessknows® Apple, Almond & Peanut, Dark Chocolate, and goodnessknows® Peach & Cherry, Almond, Dark Chocolate. We all need to take time and enjoy the good things in life, and these goodnessknows® snack squares help make the little things count.
Add in a hand written note with a personal message. So few people take the time anymore to hand write a note, a personal message can be very meaningful.
How do you rediscover your motivation when it’s lacking? Be sure to check out more great ways goodnessknows® helps achieve goodness to greatness on our social hub and get a great coupon here. I’d love to hear about your favorite goodnessknows® snack square flavor!
Samantha K says
October 17, 2015 at 11:13 pmI have been trying to get back into running again and these are very helpful tips! A good running quote shirt is always a win for me! (client)
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
October 19, 2015 at 6:10 amI’d love to try these bars. I always try to make smart health choices, and these bars sound like a delicious and nutritious snack!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy recently posted…Halloween DIY: Spider Den & Crystal Ball
Jaime Nicole says
October 19, 2015 at 8:08 amIt can be so, so hard to get started, and then keep going when you are as tired as us moms get sometimes! Keep up your efforts, and I will definitely be checking out the Goodness Knows bars!
Jaime Nicole recently posted…The Dogs are Up for Fall with Iams
Alli Smith says
October 19, 2015 at 10:33 amI like to reward myself with a little shopping trip when I meet one of my fitness goals. I haven’t tried the Goodness Knows snacks yet, but I will.
Alli Smith recently posted…Lego-Inspired Party Theme
Tammilee Tips says
October 19, 2015 at 12:47 pmFinding motivation can be so hard sometimes especially when you have had other contributing factors. I have not seen these bars before they look good!
Tammilee Tips recently posted…Tips for a great cruise vacation
Bri says
October 19, 2015 at 2:38 pmI have to get back motivated to eating healthier. I got to try goodnessknows Peach bar for the first time this past week and it was very delicious and helps make for a healthy fulfilling snack.
Carmen Perez (listen2mama) says
October 19, 2015 at 3:37 pmIt’s true, many of us need a lot of motivation to get started with an exercise program. These are all great tips and ideas.
Christie says
October 19, 2015 at 4:35 pmI definitely have to revisit the “why” often when I have goals. So often things change mid way and I have to reevaluate! Good tips
Christie recently posted…dressbarn Dressbar | Fashion for Misses, Petite and Plus Size
lisa says
October 19, 2015 at 7:31 pmI don’t run as often as I used to, but I do enjoy working out every day. I have gotten into a good routine where if I don’t workout, I feel as though I’ve missed a part of my day.
lisa recently posted…It’s kind of fun to do the impossible – The Walt Disney Family Museum #Waltagram
Wood Arts Universe says
October 20, 2015 at 12:03 ambar looks so yummy.. can’t wait to try that one. I am planning to get back in shape soon. Thanks for sharing wonderful tips 🙂
Lisa says
October 20, 2015 at 12:09 amThese are great tips for staying motivated. I really like the idea of buying something new and refocusing on why you are doing it.
Lisa recently posted…Childhood Memories Trick or Treat
Marts says
October 20, 2015 at 12:51 amOften I find myself struggling in convincing myself to stay focused on my goals. Your post is motivating. When you feel like quitting, revisit your ‘why’.
Marts recently posted…What Does the Lord Require of Us? | #MySundaySeries
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
October 20, 2015 at 1:05 amPlaylists are a definite motivator for me. I also tend to be very hard on myself. It’s really hard to admit when I need a break.
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy recently posted…Treats and Eats with the Peanuts Movie
XmasDolly says
October 20, 2015 at 2:24 amhere’s the thing…. I’m disabled with Spinal Stenosis so this just isn’t for me at all, but I can pass the word to my children and grandchildren. thanks.
XmasDolly recently posted…Show Off Tuesday! Give-Aways & Reviews!
NYC SingleMom says
October 20, 2015 at 5:17 amRunning is so not my thing but I know I need to change up my routine. I love the idea of creating a new playlist. I definitley need music to run and motivate me. Thanks for the other tips too.
Michele D says
October 20, 2015 at 6:04 amI really want to try these out. They really do look so yummy! I bet my husband would love them!
Kisa Johnson says
October 20, 2015 at 10:50 amSo I bought myself a new DDR game, as I love DDR to work out as it’s fun and the Japanese versions have good music… and then I took a fall down the stairs and my tailbone, ribcage, wrists, and lower back are bruised. My shoulder and mid back muscles are all spasming… and I’m supposed to be on muscle relaxers and pain killers but I can’t function to watch my youngest while on them. :/ Until I get better, I can’t go back to working out and I’m bummed. I can hardly walk right now, and sitting up is driving me nuts!
The Fitbit flex looks so awesome! I entered to win, and thank you for the giveaway!!
Kisa Johnson recently posted…A Colorful Life With Crayola
Tyra says
October 20, 2015 at 8:51 pmThese bars look delish! And you are so right about having a workout partner for accountability. I have to switch up the routine.
Tyra recently posted…A Journey Around the World Via Los Angeles Fashion Week
Chantal says
October 20, 2015 at 9:55 pmI find having a great play list is very motivating regardless of the type of task! Great suggestions!
Stephanie says
October 21, 2015 at 11:05 amSweat grosses me out so I prefer not to exercise. Maybe if I pampered myself a little bit it would help!
Stephanie recently posted…Seven Useful Suggestions That Can Help You Choose a Stainless Steel Sink for Your Kitchen
Ashleigh says
October 21, 2015 at 6:55 pmThese are all great reasons to stay motivated! love the inspiration.
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