What are the most important actions people who succeed at fitness take on a repeated basis? Read on to find out...
USING AN ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY
If your motivation starts to wane, you need someone to help keep you on track! That is where a "workout buddy, " a class, a group or a personal trainer/coach can help immensely. When it's cold and dark outside and you are tired and just "don't feel" like working out; who will make sure you do it anyway? it can be just one person or a group, but who will be there to hold YOU accountable.
Surround yourself with people who are motivating and/or who have achieved the goals you have set for yourself. That energy, discipline and grit will rub off and help keep you inspired.
DO WHAT YOU LOVE
If you don't love your workouts, you won’t do them long enough to experience results. It’s ok if your workouts are challenging, but ask yourself how you can add some element of fun to each training session whether it’s music, a friend, a fun group, a distraction like TV or beautiful scenery. If you loathe each workout session, you will quickly find reasons to skip them. Or join boot camp where it is always fun and different.
DON’T GET HURT
If you suffer an injury, it can set you back and sideline any goal that you’ve set for yourself. Make sure that you are warming up and cooling down, practicing good technique, following proper progressions and not being too aggressive in the beginning. Be smart about how you approach your health and fitness goals and if able, hire a trainer or coach to oversee your program to assure you are following safe protocols. If you don’t have the resources to see a trainer weekly, hiring one to design a program that you follow on your own and then check in with them every 1-2 months for program updates, can be incredibly impactful for safety, progression and accountability.
BECOME A PROJECT MANAGER
Treat your health and fitness goals like a project manager would tackle a big project or plan an event. Start with the end goal in mind and then work backwards. Ask yourself what goals, action steps, initiatives, and deadlines need to be established. Create checklists to help you stay on track. Schedule in workouts and healthy habits to assure you prioritize your health and fitness. Work the plan and your goals will become a reality.
Undertaking a major lifestyle change can be overwhelming. Take your ultimate goals and split them into small, easily achievable goals. It’ll help you succeed on a regular basis and that will give you the momentum you need to stick to the plan.
By following the tips above, you will set up a framework for success and will be well on your way to your goals. It’s so much easier to get to your destination if you’ve got a map!
And as always if you or a friend needs help, please ask, this is what I do!