Motivation

According to Wikipedia: Motivation is a psychological feature that arouses an organism to act towards a desired goal and elicits,controls, and sustains certain goal-directed behaviors. It can be considered a driving force; a psychological one that compels or reinforces an action toward a desired goal. 

So often I find that when the weather starts to get colder and the darkness sets in faster, my clients lose their motivation! So where can we find our "driving force" for working out and being healthy in the chilly  winter months?! How can we stay "goal-oriented" when it's so miserable out and we can easily wear baggy clothes?!

Here are a few tips to keep your motivation high and your enthusiasm rockin' through the winter!

1. Take progress pictures
- This is one of the easiest (and my personal favorite) ways to hold your own self accountable! It's far too easy to hide behind clothing in the winter. Taking weekly progress pics allows you to see changes (good AND bad) in your body and adjust your routine accordingly. After all, the scale only paints one picture....it's the actual picture that can show amazing changes in body composition/muscle mass/ and body fat! Don't be shy, snap away!!


2. Set monthly goals
- If you actually write down a specific goal and tell others about what you are trying to achieve  you are much more likely to reach that goal! Whether the goal is to lose five lbs or make it to the gym consistently 4x/week or even to add a vegetable to your dinner every evening. Whatever the goal maybe be (big or small), write it down and challenge yourself to set a new goal at the beginning of every month.


3 .Keep your favorite picture of yourself in plain view
- It doesn't matter what you are wearing in the picture, typically your favorites are ones where you FELT the best and had the most confidence. If the picture is out all the time (bathroom mirror, refrigerator,etc) then you are reminded constantly that you CAN do it and you CAN achieve your health goals and feel great about yourself. This is another wonderful tool in holding yourself accountable.


4.Find a buddy!
- Having a friend to workout with or eat healthier with is such an amazing way for both of you to succeed! You can motivate each other and help hold each other accountable for staying on track. Let's face it, we all have times when we would rather sit on the couch than go to the gym, if you have a buddy that has the same goals, chances are this lack of motivation won't occur at the same time! Partner up and succeed together! 

Just think of how proud you will be when Spring/Summer rolls around and you ALREADY have the body you want!! Make it about the lifestyle change...not just the short term rewards! You CAN do it!!!

xoxo