Staying Motivated in the “Dog Days”

Motivation is a rollercoaster. Sometimes getting your workout in is really easy, while other times you realize it’s been a week since you even thought about lacing up those sneakers. Or you’re really on top of meal prepping to ensure you’re eating right, while other times you’re looking for the healthiest thing on the McDonald’s menu.

Motivation is easier than discipline, but there are still times when you’re going to struggle. That’s called being human. And beating yourself up about not making the right choice will wreak havoc on your progress.

There’s little you can do to improve your own motivation because the biggest thing you need to do is simply make different choices. And the path to those choices is honing in on your why.

Why are you doing this?

When it comes to health and fitness goals, your why is your most valuable asset. Knowing what sparked your desire to change and uplevel can serve as a good reminder when you’re just “not feeling it.”

Most often, clients start on their health journey because they want to feel better. They’re tired of being tired and they want to feel better in the clothes they wear.

The only way to accomplish this goal is to change something in your life. Usually (most often) it’s your activity level. But you can’t out-train a bad diet, so nutrition must always play a role too.

Stick with your why

Once you know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, you need to find the people and the activities that will help you keep on track.

I recommend finding accountability partners who also want support with their motivation. You can support one another! I’ve found accountability in neighbors, family members, and clients, and am always more motivated to get my workout in when I have someone to work out with–or even to check in with once my workout is complete.

I find that positive peer pressure has been a big part of my success.

Make it easy

Life gets busy, and that’s not an excuse for not sticking with your plan. Find time in your week to prep food in advance and have healthy options in your pantry and refrigerator.

No time to shop for healthy options? Use Instacart to do your shopping, ask your partner or kids to help with meal prep, or simply say no to something else so you have time to do it yourself. You do have time; it’s just a matter of finding it and prioritizing yourself and your health. If you want something badly enough, you have to put in the effort.

Let go of perfection

If you’re on a health and fitness journey, you do not have to be 100% all the time. Forced workouts and inflexible meal plans aren’t realistic and they may turn into your excuse for giving up quickly.

Instead, give yourself some grace and tell yourself that you don’t have to give up those french fries forever. Stick to the plan most days, but allow yourself that treat here and there as something to look forward to.

As the summer draws to a close, it can feel really hard to stay motivated—especially when the weather here in Phoenix makes you want to hide inside. But reconnecting to your why should help you gather the motivation you need to stay the course.

And if you need more, be sure to reach out and connect. I can help fill that accountability role for you as you reach your goals. Or join my accountability group for the new 645 program and let’s do this together!