How to Get Motivated Motivation is the desire to do things. It's the difference between waking up before dawn to go on that jog you promised yourself or lounging around until noon in your pajamas. We all have the ability to become motivated and dedicated to goals we wish to achieve. The problem is, we often lose motivation, killing the excitement, passion and interest we started with. Read on to find useful tips to use to stay motivated so you can reach your goals. Figure out what your exercise goal is and start doing it. No Excuses: Take down Those Mental Walls I'm a firm believer that the majority of things in life, whether it's getting motivated or something else, it's about your mindset. It's not easy to change a routine that you are use too. And we tend to be our own worst enemy. There is always an excuse conveniently available to put off exercising. Even when we finally do start a new exercise routine we stop after a week because we quickly lose interest. It's a vicious cycle many of us are all too familiar with. How do we get past the excuses and then how do we stay motivated after that? First thing to do is take down your mental walls. The ones that always give you a reason why you can't. Anyone is capable of deciding to turn set goals into achievements - and research has shown you have the power to influence your own levels of motivation and self-control. Taking down the mental walls that are causing you to make excuses is the first step to getting motivated. If your goal is to exercise three times a week for thirty minutes each, then do it. If the goal is to take the dog for a walk every evening after work, then no excuses why you can't - just take him for a walk. Have fun Exercising doesn't have to be boring. Instead of walking on a treadmill or using the elliptical machine, try group exercise classes such as Zumba. Taking a Zumba takes the drag out of working out because it's fun. Even better, you will probably get a better workout and maybe meet some friends. New motivation buddies. There are many different exercise classes to choose from. If classes like Zumba are to vigorous, try Pilates. Look at the classes and schedule at your gym and find one that fits your needs. You can usually find local classes in your neighborhood outside of the gym as well. If you are going to use the treadmill take your smartphone with your favorite music ready to listen to, and comfortable earphones. You can even watch movies on with smartphones. These are great ways to beat the boredom. Set Goals & Keep your Eye on the prize Setting goals is important part of staying motivated. Without them, you aren't working towards anything. No one wants to do something for nothing. Having milestones in between bigger set goals can keep you going without getting frustrated and giving on a bigger goal because it's taking too long. A goal to exercise or a certain time limit on certain days or walking one block on Wednesday and two on Friday. It really doesn't matter what they are. Accomplishing the goals you've set are one of the best ways to keep focused. Some of the benefits - Weight control: Exercising burns calories that cause unwanted weight gain. Even just a few minutes a day added to your normal routine will keep you at a healthier weight. - Better health: Exercise boosts your body's defense and can help prevent health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and the list goes on and on. - Feel better: A good workout can relieve the built up stress from a long day. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that are responsible for making you feel happier and more relaxed. You will also feel better about your appearance, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. - More energy: Regular exercise strengthens muscle and boosts endurance. The trip to the grocery store that made you feel winded before, will be an easy task. Exercising and physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. When your body is getting the nutrients it needs, you have more energy to easily handle your daily chores. The bottom line is, exercising is a great way to feel better, become healthier and have fun. A good place to start would be setting a goal of at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Depending on what your goals are, it may require more. Adding regular exercise routine is as simple as not making excuses, setting goals, and not looking back. Take care of yourself and your body will thank you. Source
