Continued success in your exercise program is generally a combination of motivation and discipline. Motivation gets us started but is fleeting. It depends heavily on how we feel, physically or emotionally, at a particular moment. Easily affected by our emotions, energy, stress levels, or external circumstances, motivation becomes hard to consistently maintain. We can easily be very motivated one moment, only to feel the motivation waning or gone the next. Additionally, motivation does not provide methods to help us stick to our objectives when things get tough, boring, or our excitement drops. Based on these reasons, motivation is not something we should rely on to attain our long-term objectives.
For long term and on-going success, it is better to focus on using discipline. Discipline keeps us on track regardless of how we feel. When that initial excitement has worn off and motivation is nowhere to be found, discipline is what keeps us moving forward. It is based on developing a realistic plan, and then making and keeping the promise to yourself to stick to that plan. Doing so allows us to start implementing new behaviors into our lives, which will ultimately become habits. Additionally, the good news is that discipline is a skill that can be developed. The more you practice it, the stronger it gets.
Here are some ways to begin developing your discipline:
- Schedule Exercise – Make exercise a priority by putting it on your calendar just like any other appointment.
- Keep the Promise – Promise yourself to keep your scheduled exercise appointment.
- Keep Things Simple – Start out with short, realistic, and attainable exercise sessions that do not overwhelm you.
- Find Exercise You Enjoy – There are many ways to be active. Finding activities that you enjoy increases your chance sticking with your exercise plan.
- Develop the Habit of Consistency – Focus on being consistent with exercise so that it becomes part of your life. Regular workouts that are short and consistent are more important than longer workouts that are missed.
- Be Flexible – Allow for adjustments. If you are tired or unmotivated, still show up and do something.
- Celebrate Small Wins – Focus on the positive things that you did accomplish rather than what you think you “should” have done. Celebrate those small victories!
Our fitness journey will encounter many ups and downs. The motivation to exercise will come and go, but over time, focus more on using discipline to stay on track toward your fitness goals.
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