We, in this industry, field calls from them on a daily basis: People who have fallen off the fitness wagon – so to speak – and are struggling with all of their might to climb back on. They rattle off a litany of events – ranging from hectic kids’ schedules to demanding jobs – that have caused them to derail. Some fitness professionals call these excuses (but I’m not going to go there right now).
But what I will say is this: One of the reasons so many people struggle with exercise is because they lack the motivation. No kidding, you’re undoubtedly thinking, but what I really mean is that they’re missing the WHY behind the decision to workout. Since there’s no government mandate (yet) to work up a sweat, why do you make the conscious choice to head to the gym? What is it that makes you realize that it will all be worth it in the end?
The answers to these questions are obviously immensely personal. They also may be different now then the responses your younger self would have chosen to give. But what I can tell you is that the deeper they are, the more likely they’ll stick. Aesthetic goals – wanting to reach a certain weight or the desire to fit into a particular dress – can only get us so far. Because once you get there, if you’re not prepared with real motive, you’re going to find your progress comes screeching to a halt.
So if you’re struggling to get fit, I encourage you to spend some time investigating why you want to do so at all. Get specific and define what fuels you, and while you’re at it, write it all down. In fact, I’d love to hear about the WHY behind your workout – whether you’re just getting back on track or haven’t missed a beat in years. So leave me a note below (if you’re willing to divulge the secrets of your success!)
