Staying Motivated

Changing lifestyle habits can be difficult and overwhelming.  Here is a list of 10 ways to stay motivated and on track to reaching your goals!  They work for me!

1. Set Goals
Goal setting is powerful.  However, make your goals realistic.  Instead of focusing on the big picture, think about smaller goals you can reach.  For example, if you want to lose 20 pounds, set smaller 5 pound goals.  You can also set goals to try new things with the increased health and physical fitness you are achieving.  Find a 5k or Obstacle Course Race around you and sign up.  Remind yourself of this every time you feel like cheating on your diet or skipping a workout.

2.  Make it FUN!!
Having a healthy life is supposed to be fun.  Find your "soulmate" workout, the one that you look forward to doing every day.  Look for new and exciting ways to stay in shape.

3. Reward Yourself
For every goal that you reach, give yourself a reward. Been eyeing a new pair of running shoes?  What about an outfit that might have been too tight before?  Make a list of things that you want and treat yourself!

4. Track Your Progress
This can get tricky.  Most people see progress as the weight they see on the scale.  There are SOOOO many other ways you can see the improvements you are making.  For example, take monthly pictures of yourself to compare.  You will see change that you might not see on the scale.  Track how many workouts you complete in a month.  Do fit tests.  In the program Insanity, fit tests are a huge part of the plan.  You will be amazed at how many more globe jumps or switch kicks you can do each time!

5. Remember Your Why
We all have reasons for getting in shape...losing weight, feeling better, buying smaller clothes, playing more with your children, etc.  Every time you get discouraged or want to quit, remind yourself why you started this process in the first place.

6. Ask For Help
There are so many people that can help encourage and support you, especially when you are feeling stuck.  Look at inspirational pictures on Pinterest or Instagram.  I check these both out regularly and they give me the kick in the butt I need sometimes.

7. Think About Consequences
What if you don't stick to your goals?  Where will you be in 5 years? 10? 20?  Will you be a happy person, or stuck in a rut?  How will you feel about yourself if you give up on your goals and dreams?

8. Put Your Goals Out There
Let the people in your life know about your goals and why they are important to you.  Post them on Facebook or other social media sites you use.  Once you have made your goals public, it's harder to back out.

9. Accountability Partner
Find someone that will not only hold you accountable, but will also encourage you along the way.  Find a friend that will workout with you.   Share your why with them.  Plan your meals together.  Plan a fun activity for the 2 of you to do together to celebrate your successes.

10. Plan Ahead
Life gets in the way.  Sometimes it is easy to let other obligations get in the way of taking care of yourself.  Plan your weekly meals and prep as many as possible.  Schedule your workouts like any other appointment or meeting.  What would happen if you skipped a meeting at work 'cause you "just didn't feel like it"?  Take your health and fitness as seriously as you do the other things in your life. 

Ready to commit and make some changes?  I would love to help you reach your goals!   Respond to this blog or follow me on Facebook at www.fb.com/erinkterry or www.fb.com/CoachErinsMotivationStation.   I'm also on Instagram at instagram.com/erinkterry# Thanks for reading and have a healthy and fit week!!