In our fitness journey, we often hear about calorie maintenance, achieving a specific physique, or shedding unwanted pounds. These are definitely essential aspects of our health and well-being, but what about maintaining fitness itself?
How do we find the drive to keep pushing forward when our motivation seems to disappear? The key lies in shifting our perspective away from relying solely on motivation and instead focusing on the commitment necessary to reach our goals. It's a privilege to move freely, and many times, we take this ability for granted.
I`d like to share some tips on how we can stay fit even when we face challenges, emphasizing the need to break free from old habits that brought us to our current state and build new, lasting ones through dedication and repetition.
1) What does Fitness really means to you?
Nowadays fitness landscape, the traditional notion of fitness is often tied mostly to physical appearance. Magazines, social media, and advertising bombard us with images of idealized physiques, creating an unrealistic standard that can lead to obsession with aesthetics. However, a more profound and sustainable approach to fitness considers the complete well-being of an individual, addressing not just the outward appearance but also the internal aspects of health. I`m talking about here mental & emotional fitness, nutrition, sleep and recovery and so on.
So instead of solely associating fitness with physical appearance, consider it as a holistic approach to health encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Ensure that you maintain a healthy sleep routine. Also, make sure you're nourishing your body properly. What do I mean by that? It's essential to ensure you eat well and, most importantly, consume an adequate amount of food. If you're currently in a fat loss phase, that's fine, but it's crucial to remember that you can't sustain this indefinitely. Avoid prolonged dieting for years.
2) How to navigate thorough and keep moving forward when motivation is low?
Motivation is unpredictable and delicate force. It can be ignited by a goal, a powerful quote, or even a fleeting moment of inspiration. However, its intensity tends to wax and wane, leaving us vulnerable to periods of low motivation. These motivational peaks are like fireworks—brilliant but short-lived.
This is where discipline comes into the picture. A force that keeps us moving forward even when the initial burst of motivation fades. It is the commitment to a goal or a habit, regardless of how we feel in the moment. Discipline doesn't rely on external factors; it's an internal resolve that carries us through challenges.
How can you build discipline?
- Set Clear Goals: Discipline begins with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Define your goals, both short-term and long-term, and break them down into actionable steps.
- Focus on creating Routine: Establishing a routine can help you build discipline. When an activity becomes a part of your daily or weekly schedule, it becomes less reliant on motivation and more of a habit.
Do you recall your childhood, when you disliked brushing your teeth? Your parents consistently encouraged you to do it, even when you didn't want to, and over time, it became a natural habit. So can be your fitness.
- The Power of Small Wins: Celebrate your small victories along the way. These successes reinforce your commitment and build confidence in your ability to stay disciplined.
For example, imagine you've planned to have four workout sessions last week. There were days when you didn't feel like working out, perhaps due to tiredness or the desire to meet up with friends. Nevertheless, you managed to meet your weekly step goal. This means that even though you missed a couple of workouts, you remained active, which is a significant accomplishment. Just because you have skipped couple of your sessions, it does not mean you need to give up your whole plan and routine entirely.
-Be Patient: Discipline is a skill that develops over time. Be patient with yourself. There will be setbacks. But what matters most is your ability to get back on track.
Remember, don`t confuse motivation with commitment. Motivation can be helpful starting point, but it`s an unreliable companion for the long run.