People often comment on my Instagram and Facebook page asking, “how do you stay so motivated?” You have heard that motivation does not always last, so it’s discipline that you need to build and nourish to really succeed with an exercise program. How does one go about doing that? Good question-read on.
How to Build & Nourish Discipline to Exercise
First let’s just define “discipline”. For me it’s the ability to keep working towards a goal while cultivating habits that facilitate that goal. Achieving discipline for an exercise routine requires a blend of motivation, planning and consistency.
Setting clear goals
Start by setting clear, realistic goals. Define what you want to achieve and break it down into manageable milestones. Write down your goals. This helps to create a roadmap that the end goal more manageable.
Schedule it
Create a realistic schedule and stick to it. Consistency is the key. Find a time that works best for you and make exercise a non-negotiable part of your day. Consistency builds habits and habits lead to discipline.
Variety
Adding some variety to your workouts keeps them interesting. Combining running, cardio, strength and flexibility helps to avoid boredom and also over use injuries. Tracking your progress can also boost your motivation and encourage discipline.
Accountability
Having a workout buddy, a running or walking group or a trainer plays a crucial role. Having someone else to share motivation and support is priceless. Your shared passions can inspire and motivate both of you.
Benefits
Remind yourself of the benefits your are receiving from maintaining an exercise program. Think about not only the physical benefits but the mental health and over all quality of life rewards.
Setting clear goals, incorporating variety, scheduling your sessions, finding accountability partners, and remembering the benefits will help to set you up to build and nourish the discipline to exercise and stick to it.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Ah, this is a great topic! I love your summary, it really captures the essence.
Just yesterday I was talking about the “slippery slope” with Kai. There’s the danger of making excuses for ourselves, like “I’ll cut my run short today” and suddenly that becomes the new normal. Before we know it, we’re only running half as much as we used to.
As you say, having clear goals and staying accountable can help us to stay on course!
Staying accountable is a huge help for me. However, I am open to being flexible and switching up my workouts especially in the summer heat
These are all the ways I stay on track too. The biggest thing for me starting out was making it a habit. Now that I am a morning runner I know that on most days I will get up early to exercise. It also helps to have goals to work towards and to just know I feel my best when I am active.
Having a habit that you just know you are going to do at a certain time makes it a lot easier to stay on track.
I think scheduling is so important! As a personal trainer, it’s really what keeps me in business. When people have an appointment they are so much inclined to keep it up. I tell those that want to go on their own to write it down on their calendar just like they had an appointment.
exactly! I know I really counted on my trainer for years to keep me on tack
My motivation comes from the reminder of how bad I’ll feel if I skip a workout. I’ve been doing this for so long that for me it’s like eating or sleeping. I need to move my body and I miss it when I don’t.
I feel like it is part of my routine as well and don’t know what I would do without it
Preach!! 🙂
I’m so thankful that I’m a morning person (and an especially “early” one at that). My recent move, and the annoying 45ish-minute commute, could be a deal-breaker if I wasn’t already in the routine of early-morning fitness.I also agree with accountability…my fitness friends (near & far), as well as my blog, really assist with staying consistent.
It really does help to have a schedule and also some accountability near and far 🙂
I think for me it’s a combo of scheduling and grace. Make time for me, but also allow when me wants to chill and not run. I do need to figure out a goal. One of these days. Or at least some minis
It helps me to have a plan in place with a set schedule or I can be lazy
This is the way. This is a very clear and concise road map to getting it done. No notes.
Thanks!