Finding the motivation required to stay active can be a struggle for some. Especially during winter when it is difficult just to wake up when your alarm goes off, let alone brace the icy weather outside and go for a run. What we need to understand is that motivation doesn’t just happen. We can’t wait around for it to suddenly turn up any more than we can wait around for money to grow on trees (how sweet life would be!)

Like lots of things in life, motivation is attributed to our state of mind. We can summon motivation through positive thoughts, all it takes is a vision of where we want to be and what how we want to live our lives.

When picturing our future selves we do need to be realistic and our goals must be achievable. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t strive for great things. To create motivation we need to be excited and passionate, and setting high expectations can be a very good thing.

Follow these steps to maximise your motivation this winter and be on your way to achieving your fitness goals:

1. Accept that you are the only creator of your life: In order to become motivated to make a change, however big or small, you first need to accept full responsibility of your life. You are the one who has the power to make your life as fulfilling and enjoyable as you want. No one can make you fit and healthy, others can offer guidance and direction, but it is ultimately up to you.

2. Think about your strengths: It is usually easier to find the motivation to achieve things that you actually see yourself being able to do. If you know that you are a strong swimmer, finding the motivation to get up early in the morning to swim laps and even train for an event will be easier for you than someone who prefers being on dry land. If you are a pretty good runner, visualise yourself participating in a fun run or half marathon, and that will help you become motivated to get out and hit the pavement. Work to your strengths, and it will help you find the motivation to step up and achieve even greater things.These don’t have to be physical strengths, either. If you are extremely determined, are a great team player or are able to think logically, use these mental abilities to help motivate you.

3. Associate exercise with positivity: If you train your mind to think about exercising as an enjoyable activity, you will find the motivation to get out and start being active. There are many ways to do this that are simple yet effective. You can start rewarding yourself after exercising, making sure that you are treating yourself with things that will benefit your health. For example, after your morning exercise you could reward yourself with a warm bubble bath, meet up with your best girlfriends for a cup of tea or have a few squares of dark chocolate. Working out with a friend makes exercise a social and fun activity and is a great motivator. Finally, listening to music as you workout helps you to associate exercise with the pleasure felt when listening to your favourite songs.

4. Surround yourself with positive people: This may seem obvious, but it is so important to be around others who boost you up rather than bring you down with negativity. Although it may not always be possible to control exactly who we are around, such as during work, we can make sure we spend our free time with happy and friendly people. Knowing that you are going to be spending quality time with like-minded people is a strong motivating force and will make it so much easier to get out and work your way to your goals.

Remember, the only person who has control of your motivation is you and your mind!

 

Article by Heidi Greig.

Heidi Greig is a 25-year-old Melbournian with a passion for all things health and fitness. Coming from a background in modern dance and now enjoying the benefits of Reformer Pilates, Heidi is well –aware of the importance of regular, heart rate rising activity for a balanced and happy life!