If we know that we should exercise and be consistent with it, then why the heck is it so hard to do?
The tricky thing about exercise is that we often don’t feel the benefits until after the workout—or even weeks later after staying consistent. Weight loss, strength gains, better cardio, or just making it a regular habit can take time. And that delay in seeing results? It can kill our motivation before we’ve even given it a real shot.
Even the endorphins—the feel-good chemicals—don’t kick in until the workout is over.
So how do we get ourselves motivated to start and keep going while the benefits are still “pending”?
We have to find our why. Why do we even want to work out in the first place? How will it benefit us—or who in our life might benefit from us doing it?
It starts with a little brainstorming:
- Do you want to feel better doing the things you already do?
- Are there things you want to be able to do but can’t right now?
- Are you stressed and need a healthy outlet so you don’t burn out or crash?
- Do you want to be a leader for your family, friends, or community?
- Would having more confidence improve your mood and day-to-day life?
- Or maybe… you just need to prove to yourself that you can do hard things.
If you’re still struggling to find your why, I’ll share mine with you:
I work out so that I can take on any opportunity life hands me. To see the world from a view most people can’t (like hiking to a mountaintop). I work out to prove to myself that hard work and consistency can achieve anything. I work out so my pants don’t feel too tight—and when they do, it’s a reminder to push the plate away. I work out to protect myself and others (even though I hope I never have to). I work out so when I travel to a new place, I can explore it fully—on foot, on a bike, up close and personal.
Give this some real thought. Write a few things down. Send me some thoughts if your stuck.
Because once we have our why, it gets easier to:
- Get up with the first alarm
- Meal prep on your day off
- Make it to the gym when you’re already tired (you’re tired either way—might as well be tired and closer to your goals)
- Stop at the grocery store for Greek yogurt instead of fast food
Working out is a tool to enhance your Quality of Life. How can it increase yours?
