HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED

Posted 08 November 2006

GR-EIGHT WAYS TO STAY MOTIVATED

Don’t you just love that warm fluffy feeling inside when you start something new?

Be it a new love affair, a new job or a healthy new way of life, there’s that buzz that gets your adrenaline pumping and means it’s the only thing you can focus on.

Then the initial buzz wears off and you come crashing back down to earth with a bang. BUMP!

The strange thing is that after the first throes of passion, a relationship moves onto a new, more relaxed, intimate footing.

Your new job might not seem quite so exciting after the honeymoon period but you have that comfortable feeling of being part of the furniture.

Yet, for some reason, when the initial thrill of a new activity regime goes out the window, the regime has an unfortunate habit of following close behind.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, with a few minor adjustments to your mindset you can - and should - embrace your lifestyle forever.

1. Monitor your progress: Remember to weigh and measure yourself on a regular basis. It is the only way to keep tabs on how you are getting on. Seeing the proof of the fruits of your labour will inspire you to keep going.
2. Reflect: Write a list of how you felt when you started out. If you find yourself lacking in motivation, take a look back at the list and remind yourself of all the feelings that you don’t want to have any more. The more detailed and emotional your list is the more likely you are to stick with it.
3. Push yourself: If you don’t feel in the mood to get active force yourself to go out for ten minutes. If you’re still not in the mood go home. You will be surprised how often you decide to keep going.
4. Reward yourself: If you have made good progress or achieved one of your goals you deserve to be spoiled. However, get out of the habit of using ‘naughty’ food as a reward. A facial, a new haircut, something new to wear or a night out all make far more suitable rewards.
5. Don’t go without: A little of what you fancy goes a long way and if you deprive yourself you are more likely to go on a blow out and let all those good habits go to waste.
6. Get over it: No one expects you to be a saint who always hits their steps targets and never lets a morsel of excess fat or sugar pass though their lips. If you have a bad day - and most of us do from time to time - get over it! One off-day isn’t the end of the world but if one merges into two or three you could be in trouble.
7. Get real: You are not going to achieve your goals overnight. If you are realistic about what you want to achieve and break your targets down into small manageable chunks you are far more likely to stay on the straight and narrow. Once you hit your initial goal make your new target to stay there for two or three weeks at a time.
8. Try something different: We can all be creatures of habit from time to time, but sometimes you have to break from the routine. Keep logging onto fitbug.co.uk for the latest ideas of fun things to do to meet your steps tallies.

If you have any suggestions for how you manage to stay motivated, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line