Motivation and Habit

I ran across this quote today: "Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going" by Jim Ryun. Jim Ryun had personal experience with both of these statements during his career as an Olympic athlete and a former member of the United States House of Representatives.

So, how to get motivated? Passing that fitness test or risk not getting promoted or a getting a certain job is good motivation. Maybe it’s not the most altruistic reason but, it’s a real one. Your motivation could be looking good at the pool or the beach this summer. Just find something that works for you to get you to the gym or the track.

Once you are motivated, you need a plan that puts your motivation to good use. Fitness classes are a good way to start. First, you paid to go and no one likes to waste their money. If you do, I’ll be happy take it. Second, you can schedule it into your day like a meeting. Third, a class only takes an hour or so of your time. Signing up for a race works well too. It gives you a specific distance to prepare for and a specific deadline to aim toward. Marathons aren't cheap either. This is where I’m at right now, I’m just started back into a regular routine and I’m looking into classes at Bella.

Now, how to stay motivated? This is the hardest part. During this phase, lifelong habits can be built. Some of us need to get rid of old habits and start building healthier ones. Consider this thought: it gets easier to quit if you’ve done it once. The truth hurts. And to be honest, when your health and longevity are the cost of a sedentary lifestyle, you really can’t afford to quit. So, to succeed in your habit building, consider a wingman, someone who will keep you accountable the first few weeks of your workout program and to help you continue to stay motivated until workout because a habit. You may need to change up your wingman as you progress but you get the idea.

Lapses can and will happen. For me, this usually happens around the holidays, after an illness, or during a really busy time at home or work. But anticipate those lapses, plan for them, and a good workout habit will get you back on the wagon.

I found Jim Ryun’s quote to be extremely insightful. I’m going to to rebuilt my workout habit a week at a time. Hope your workout regime is going well.