“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
Unknown
What worked for me.
After lots of permutations and combinations in my workout journey I realised these 2 things that
- Fitness is a journey and the destination keeps changing because when our first goal is met, we raise the bar!
- Fitness and workouts are not a few months quick fix.
So when we are on this journey, we might as well enjoy it!
Fitness becomes a part of us when we start enjoying our workouts. I remember attending one of Tony Robbins seminar where he mentioned that “i can look at you and tell you about your whole lifestyle in just 5 minutes”. This struck me like a bullet and this small statement made a lot of sense and did change me so much!
Looking for motivation outside? Yes, thats was my starting point. We all first need this bit but will it work for us and how long, that was my next question. I realised the real thing only after I applied it to myself in my life! The real push didn’t come with motivation from people or friends etc.
Motivation vs inspiration.
Definition from google – Inspiration is something that you feel on the inside, while motivation is something from the outside that compels you to take action. Inspiration is a driving force, while motivation which is a pulling force.
I was forever looking for a motivation to workout and i was looking for that motivation all around me…and i waited for days and months ! It did come in sparks but left as early as it came. The wait was only getting longer. So i decided to push myself and lead a life of inspiration! And that push came only when I pushed myself everyday..to go to the gym. Yes, it was really dragging but here are the few things that worked in my favour.
1. Start with small achievable goals – I started with a small but self motivating goal. Eg: I bought my birthday dress that I wanted to fit into by the end of the first month knowing the first 2 months weight loss is incremental if you do it religiously. I was dedicated and so it worked for me. My journey started and since i could fit in my dress, my self motivation worked.
2. Choose your surroundings/ people – Your environment is stronger than your will power. Surround yourself with like minded individuals “only”.
3. Determination > Excuses – You will want to make excuses many a days, Thats normal but still push yourself.
4. Give your 100% everyday – When I work out, I slack a bit in between but when I know I am towards the final reps, I go for the KILL! I give my 100 %.
5. Strategise your membership at the gym – I started paying monthly at the gym. That makes me accountable every month and I end up going almost 5 days/ week. You can do the math for a yearly subscription and it might work out expensive but thats ok as long as it serves a purpose. Once it becomes routine, you can change your strategy.
6. Accountability Partner – Have an accountability partner and share your fitness goals. This will help if the accountability partner is keeping a track of your goals and will push you to track your goals.
7. Mental Fitness – This is my extra punch- Only physical fitness is not enough. I do meditation for my mental fitness. How cool 😎.
8. Conscious Eating – I am not so good with the protein, carbohydrates stuff. I am somehow a non caffeine, no sugar, no preservatives person. So most of the junk goes off my daily servings and that helps in keeping myself under control.
9. Goal setting – I have a vision board with my ideal weight highlighted. I don’t check my weight daily but my vision board is my mental reminder for the journey I have to take.
10. Nature/ Natural Setting – If possible, try your workouts without the AC. Maybe a bootcamp style workout places – beaches, terrace or somewhere where you are close to nature…with lot of trees around!
11. Aim Higher – Now that the routine is set, start aiming for bigger goals :).
Advantages are anyway mentioned in all the books about the body feeling lighter because all toxins are removed.
Fitness hence has become a way of life now. No compromises henceforth. We need a healthy body to fulfil the rest of our goals (financial, mental, spiritual etc).