8 Ways to Stay Motivated & Psyched About Training
8 Ways to Stay Motivated & Psyched About Training
by
Mark “Coach Rozy” Roozen
Raise your hand if you have ever NOT felt as motivated as you could be. Hold it up if you lost some of the inspiration that got you fired up to set that New Year’s resolution moving into the new year. We’re all raising our hands now, right?
If you’ve been feeling down, or maybe struggling to figure out how to stay motivated through the whole year, welcome club! Most people think that it’s those that can stay motivated, that can stay inspired all the time are the ones crushing their goals and reaching all their dreams and goals. That isn’t true. It’s the person that can move forward, and gain ground even when they ARE NOT motivated or inspired that win in the long run.
If you realize you’re just going through the motions each day instead of doing things that psych you up, . Maybe the stuff you used to enjoy just isn’t thrilling you anymore. You’ve lost that loving feeling, and you aren’t sure how to get it back. Remember, it’s the stuff when you are NOT FEELING GREAT that helps you keep going.
If you think you need motivation, or maybe a trick to keep going when inspiration fades, try one of these tips.
1. Figure out what’s tanking your motivation.
First things first: If you’re feeling blah, you want to dig into why that might be. Sometimes our lack of motivation is feeling like we don’t have meaning or purpose. Getting to the root of what’s causing these feelings can help us make a change.
2. Pinpoint one joyful thing you can do each day.
Most of the time, you don’t need to make some sort of grand gesture or intricate life-changing plan to turn things around. Small changes can make a huge difference. Ask yourself: What is one thing I can get myself to do each day—or just today—that’s going to help me feel a little happier? If you can find something that puts a smile on your face for 30 minutes then that’s a step in the right direction.
3. Get outside
The power of nature is real, people. It’s impossible to go for a walk on a beautiful day and not feel a little bit better about the world, but don’t feel like it has to be a whole thing. Just a quick lap around the block or some barefoot time in your lawn may shift your perspective.
4. Try your hand at a new hobby.
Maybe you’re uninspired simply because you’re bored. It really could be that simple. A new skill, trying a new adventure, or learning a new hobby can be inspiring and add some much-needed change to an otherwise monotonous daily routine.
5. Recall a person or activity that inspired you in the past.
Find that thing that used to make you excited and bring it back into your life in some way. Go back to what works. It could be a friend or someone who you always feel good around, connect with them. Call them up and just chat or ask them to meet up for coffee. If you’re lacking these strong personal connections and could use a sense of community, find a group that can help you feel motivated.
6. Pay it forward
Experts say that volunteering and giving to charity can help boost your mood, but it can also give you a new sense of purpose. Think about any businesses, organization, or group you’ve been wanting to support—be it a restaurant, fitness studio, non-profit, or church. You’ll find supporting them is a boost and a support of you.
7. Show yourself some grace.
You need to have realistic expectations and know you might be looking at a new normal or that it might take some additional time to get back to the way you felt before. Before you felt so blah, before whatever it is that got you stuck in this rut.
Setting realistic expectations also means showing yourself some grace if progress comes slowly. It’s always best to not be too hard on ourselves and approach things from a place of positive support and encouragement. So, when you have a good day or afternoon or moment, high-five yourself. Cheer yourself on. Remind yourself that baby steps are still progress.
8. Ask for help if you need it.
At a certain point, you might need a little guidance to get your spark back. No shame in that! Reaching out often allows you to find someone else who will reach back and give you a hand up.
By trying one or a few of these tips can help you get your mojo back and stay on track to a better you this year!