Ever signed up for a gym membership with sky-high enthusiasm, only to find your motivation has made a run for it after just a few weeks? You're not alone. The key to sustained fitness enthusiasm isn't just about setting goals. As cheesy as it sounds - the self-help gurus are on to it this time - it's about your 'why'. AKA, your personal gold mine of intrinsic motivation.
Despite the somewhat simple nature, there’s nothing quite as daunting as an existential question that forces us to look deep into ourselves. . . (sigh). So here I am, to break it down for you step by step and hopefully arm you with the tools you need to commit to movement long-term.
Step 1: Discovering Your Fitness Values
Let's talk about values. Now, I know the word might sound fluffy to some people but really, it's pretty straightforward. Values are all about figuring out what we care about. This is super important when we're starting a new journey or trying to change something. If we're working towards something in a way that doesn't resonate with our values, it's like trying to stick a square peg in a round hole – it won't feel right, we won't see the results we're after and it won’t last!
I've got this exercise I use with my clients, especially at the start of the year, to get to the heart of what they value fitness-wise. It's a game-changer. By understanding their values, I can tailor their programs and my encouragement to match what they actually care about. Makes sense, doesn't it?
Now it's your turn. Below is a list of fitness-related values. Have a look and circle or note down the ones that really stand out to you. And be real with yourself here. Choose the values that genuinely matter to you, not the ones you think 'should' matter. Trust me, honesty here is key.
Step 2: Digging a little deeper
Alright, now that we've got a handle on your values, it's time to dig a bit deeper. We're going to tackle a few questions that are designed to go beyond those typical surface-level goals. Remember, honesty is your best friend here – really mull over your answers. These questions are all about getting you to think about the bigger picture as far as movement goes.
Question 1: Let's start with feelings. How do you feel right now? Now, project yourself into the future – one year, five years, ten years down the line. How do you want to feel then?
Question 2: This one's about capability. Think about what you can do right now. Then, like the first question, cast your mind forward. In one year, five years, ten years – what do you want to be able to do?
Question 3: Recall a time when you felt at your physical peak (this will be different for everyone!). Not just a time when you felt capable, but also at peace with and in tune with your body. What were you doing?
Question 4: What aspects of health and fitness get you really excited? Is there a particular activity you can't wait to do, people you love to meet up with, or maybe a playlist that gets you pumped. . .
Question 5: Lastly, think about a past achievement, fitness-related or not. What actually drove you to succeed?
As you reflect on your responses, you'll probably notice a pattern emerging – a thread that weaves through each answer. This is your 'why' (that’s right, you are now one of those cheesy people with a why!)
If it's not crystal clear yet, don't worry. Sometimes, connecting the dots needs a bit of outside perspective. If you're stuck or just want to talk it through, I'm here to help. Reach out, and let's connect the dots together.
Step 3: Convincing yourself to start!
You've got a grasp on your 'why', and in a perfect world, that would be enough to kickstart your fitness journey. But let's be real – sometimes, knowing isn't the same as doing. This final step is a little extra nudge for anyone who's finding the 'getting started' part a bit daunting. And don't worry, there's more on this topic in future blogs!
Introducing the Change Grid. This is a straightforward exercise to help you weigh the pros and cons of making a change – in this case, starting to exercise.
Fill in each section of the grid. Think about the benefits of starting to exercise, the drawbacks of staying as you are, the positives of your current state, and the potential negatives of changing. As you fill out this grid, you'll likely notice the balance starting to shift – ideally, the reasons to embrace change will begin to outweigh the reasons to stay the same.
Let’s go!
Hopefully this process has provided some benefit (via intrinsic motivation) but before you go, remember two things. One, your why will change. Different life stages bring different perspectives, challenges and why’s! Revisit this from time to time. Two, changing your habits can be hard - if you're struggling with this step or need a bit more guidance on embarking on your exercise journey, I'm here to help. Book a meeting, and let's have a chat.
Author: Tessa Nielsen
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