Motivators to keep yourself on track
The most powerful motivating factor that you have at your disposal is what we call your ‘intrinsic motivation’ – the thing inside of you that wants to see self-improvement, and for you to lead a happier, healthier life. Unfortunately, nobody is perfect, and oftentimes you will need to resort to other forms of motivation to keep yourself on track. These are ‘extrinsic motivators’ – things that motivate you from outside, and here are a couple that can help you out:
Exercise with friends:
Sharing the commitment to exercise with a friend can prove enormously beneficial. If you choose to meet up with your friend at the gym one morning, you are far less likely to sleep in and disappoint your friend. Your friend will likely feel the same way! You can discuss your progress and exercise goals with your friends, helping to keep yourself on track and further motivate yourself.
Action Plan: Set up a time to meet with a friend or family member to exercise together. You can arrange to go for a run in the afternoon, or organise to lift weights early one morning. The obligation that you feel to your exercise partner will help get your through the tougher moments of your journey.
Reward yourself:
Sometimes it can be helpful to set yourself goals and reward yourself when you attain them. Set yourself target weights and times and organise treats to keep yourself motivated. Dropped your first five pounds? Celebrate with a trip to the cinema! (Just go easy on the popcorn!) Run a mile in your fastest time yet? Buy yourself that new toy that you’ve had your eye on!
This can be used to motivate yourself towards achieving Shape-Up Shortcut 10 – Don’t Avoid The Truth. Keeping yourself motivated and rewarding yourself when you achieve your goals will make sure that you’re eagle-eyed when it comes to your progress, and acutely aware of how you’re tracking.
Action Plan: Set goals well in advance and work towards them. Decide what you’re going to do when you reach your goals, and use that prospect as a motivational tool to get results!
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