Motivation
There are two types of motivation: impulse motivation and endurance motivation.
As a fitness enthusiast you're most likely impulsive. You may respond to instant motivation after reading a fitness success story. This type of stimulus can drive you to throw on your running shoes or head to a yoga class. Yet, this feel-good buzz doesn't always last. Impulse motivation keeps you in a state of desire, and you will need to do more to satisfy your yearning.
Endurance motivation is less fleeting than impulse motivation. Successful athletes have a different mindset. They have an inner compass of patience and drive. Discover your endurance motivation and employ a new method of thinking and operating.
Three key components can help you develop and maintain motivation:
- Know your why. (Why have you set this goal for yourself?)
- Actualize your why. (How can I make this happen?)
- Practice discipline.
Create a list on paper. Ask yourself, 'Why is this truly important to me?' Write down all the reasons your goals are important to you. Yes, even the superficial reasons such as, 'I want to fit in my skinny jeans,' and then, dig deeper.
This process will help you find enthusiasm and draw on your emotions. These emotional anchors will create lasting motivation.
I'll share an example of my own: I watched my mother deal with low self-confidence and poor health. It was painful to see her struggle. Because of this, I want more for myself. Whenever I go for a run, it's not to burn off the junk food I may have eaten, it's because I desire a deeper meaning for my life, and running helps me achieve this.
- 2
- of
- 3
About the Author
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article