Fitness Motivation Done the Wrong Way: Do’s, Don’ts, Tips and Tricks
There are many aspects to fitness besides doing the actual exercises. I believe there is a particular conviction necessary to endure the hardships of transforming one’s body. I touched on some of these concepts in Building the Right Mindset, Avoiding and Overcoming the Proverbial Wall and Inspiration vs Motivation blogposts. But did you know there is a wrong way to do the right things? Yes! Don’t get caught in unsustainable, unrealistic, impersonal goals or improper motivators. If we are doing this, let’s get it right! This post discusses sustainable fitness motivation concepts and suggests ways to fix troublesome fitness motivation methods.
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The quality of your WHY
According to Napoleon Hill, desire is the starting point for all achievements.
I always believe in thinking bigger and better. The possibilities are limitless. Big life achievements with micro-accomplishments are the right ways to fitness motivation.
Dream big, plan smart and take action – Manish Khetani.
Hence, let’s get back to this probing question again. What is your WHY? Why the WHY question again?
Because this is where the journey begins, it pays its weight in gold, right off the bat. It motivates you to action and keeps you inspired to push through challenges to attain your goals. If your WHY is generated from the wrong place, it simply won’t/can’t last.
DON’T #1
Do not adopt someone else’s dream. It’s your path, your fitness journey. Often we (/persons) adopt (voluntary or otherwise) the fitness aspirations of others and are forced to find ways and means of getting it done. Don’t do this. Not only does it waste precious time, but it also could leave you worse off than before. Now, don’t get me wrong, some persons end up loving the journey and its many destinations. Once it’s for your betterment ultimately, and you know you want it, do it.
DON’T #2
Do not be motivated by proving people wrong. This is a tricky one. Now, my reason for saying don’t, in this case, is from a holistic perspective. In general, you always need to ensure that your vision/goals are for you. I know the gratification derived from using this motivator is sweet. But, think about it, is it sustainable? Would that person always be there to motivate you?
This brings me to my next point, self-motivation. This should also form part of your fitness motivation foundation. If you are first and foremost self-motivated, secondary motivators can assist as support; not drive the process.
DON’T #3
Do not do it because it’s trending. This is the worse thing you can do. Again, like Don’t #1, it can sometimes work in your favour. Trying something new is always good; you never know. Hence, if it ends up being your WHY, you do you boo. But, if it’s a fad and not a lifestyle adjusting action, then why even waste your time.
Which brings me to my next DON’T, …
DON’T #4
Do not make your fitness vision event-specific. Reserve this for your smaller targets. Remember your vision/WHY (in this sense) should be life-based.
My overall fitness vision is to be healthy in mind, body and soul. Hence, regardless if I want to get in shape for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival or get beach ready for August, I am already putting in the work. And when it’s over, I’m on to my next goal.
DON’T #5
Don’t write your fitness vision with negative language. “If you think in negative terms, you will get negative results…”, “[Similary]… if you think in positive terms, you will achieve positive results” Norman Vincent Peale. Inspiring words generate positive energy. I was never a fan of harsh words to get the job done. This is another top de-motivator for me. Everyday, I have to be reminded to address my fitness obstacles from a positive perspective. This does not mean overlook the fact that an adjustment needs to be made. Speak to yourself in a positive manner. You get me?
DON’T #6
Do not half-ass it. What is the intensity of your motivation? Are you still just showing up to your workouts? Are you neglecting dietary changes and just exercising? Or are you adjusting your diet and neglecting exercise? If you could identify with one or more of these points, then you have been half-assing it. I applaud this effort in the earlies, especially for beginners. But, quite frankly, just doing one of these things is not going to cut it after a while. Basically, don’t limit your drive to mediocrity.
Hence, it’s simple; my only tip is to:
TIP #1
Dream big, plan smart and take action – Manish Khetani.
Takeaways
DO soul searching.
DON’T adopt someone else’s dream. Your path, your fitness journey.
TIP, dream big, plan smart and take action – Manish Khetani.
TRICK, strive for excellence in even the most smallest of tasks. Avoiding mediocrity is paramount.
4 Comments
Marcia Yearwood
Good job Maria
Denise
I receive it. Its always been my tendency to calorie restrict to attain my weight loss goals. My self esteem and mood plunges when I’m above a certain weight. So it seems easier for me to shed those pounds fast and deal with fitness after as it is easier for me to move a lighter body. Health wise maybe not the best. I do try however to keep up my vitamins and keep my annual check ups. Change of life and other factors (covid19)have affected everything to the point so many adjustments must be made. Very head Spinny. I soldier on. Thanks for the insight I’ll apply it to my future goals.
dosdontstipsandtricks
As always, thanks so much for the feedback, Denise. Try to avoid restricting your diet so much so that it affects you negatively. As you rightfully said, soldier on. If there is any more advice you need, feel free to email me.
dosdontstipsandtricks
Thanks Marcia!