HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED WHEN LIFE GETS IN THE WAY

Have you ever started a new fitness program and you've been so excited, you start by meal prepping for your whole week, get all your workouts in, and feel like you’re on top of the world? And then life hits, and you begin to lose motivation. You let one or two things slip and before you know it, you feel like a failure. 

You’re not the only one who feels this way! In fact, this happens to most people at some point in their lives, especially when they are facing a challenging life season. 

SO HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THE LACK OF MOTIVATION?

You have to have a strong enough “why”. 

This applies to everything in your life: motherhood, career, your fitness, your relationships. Anything that you put time and effort into usually has a deep-rooted “why” behind it, and that's your driving force. 

What is your driver? What's the deeper motivation behind the habit you’re trying to build or break? Believe me, it is probably a lot deeper than just getting a six pack. 

If you’ve lost your “why” or are having trouble staying motivated, this post is for you. 

CONNECTING TO YOUR DEEPER "WHY"

When you're connected to a deeper “why”, you're able to push through a lack of motivation and you can actually rely on discipline. A deeper “why” is all about the bigger vision or a true value tied to a specific habit. This is what makes you truly successful. 

For example, my “why” to workout every day is that I have found I'm more productive, I like feeling stronger, I'm a happier person, I'm more patient with my children, I have more energy, I sleep better, I have more confidence, I get endorphins, I feel proud of myself - the list goes on and on!  

Once you know your “why”, you will find it’s so much easier to stay focused on your goal. The value that your goal brings to your life will carry you through times where you lack motivation. 

The same principles apply to work. Why do you hustle every day to provide for your family, and why are you working so hard day in and day out? 

When you attach your core beliefs and values to your goals, no matter how hard it gets or how burned out you are, you can always find peace and joy in your decisions. You really can apply this to any area of your life. 

HOW TO FIND YOUR "WHY"

1. Outline what you value most in life. Is it your health, energy, relationships? 
2. Determine the main driver in your life. Do you want to be healthier so that you can have fun with your kids? Is it important for you to feel confident? Do you want to work on your mental health?
3. Understand your personality type. What are your basic motivators and basic fears? It's important to identify your personality so you can hone in on what drives you and then connect your “why” to that.
4. Identify what your main driver is in life, and attach a “why” for your goal. Write it down and then tape it to your mirror. 
5. Meditate on this “why” for five minutes a day. Visualize the type of person you are and why you put your health and your nutrition as a priority. How does it make you feel? How do you act? What emotions are present? Visualize being that person and let it sink in until you become that person. 

Your driver and your “why” may change over time depending on what season of life you're in, and that's okay.

For example, if you’re a new mom, your motivators might be very different than they were a few years ago. If you’re currently pregnant you’re going to have different motivators than someone who wants to feel like an athlete. These are going to change with the season of life you're in. 

Related: Matching Your Efforts to Your Expectation

UNDERSTAND YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE

There are nine specific enneagram personality types, and understanding which one you are can help you define your motivating factors. 

For example, an enneagram two is motivated to help others and is a nurturer. They are motivated to be healthy so that they can help their loved ones, or be an energetic mother. 

An enneagram three will be really motivated to look good, because physical appearance is very important to them. They just really value looking good. In that case, maybe having a six pack is a real motivator for them. 

Whereas a seven, like me, might be motivated by fun. Sevens want to be healthy because they like to have adventures and be playful, and have energy to get the most out of life. 

You can take a test HERE to find your enneagram number. I have all my clients do this so they know their core motivators and hurdles as they go through the program. 

Related: Understanding Your Personality to Overcome Your Weaknesses

PUT TOGETHER THE TOOLS AND THE SUPPORT SYSTEM

You can do this. You are a lot stronger than you think. You just have to have the right tools and the support system to get you there. I can help you break down your fears, desires, and learn more about how to use your personality type to succeed. When you take the enneagram test and work with the right coach, the motivation game completely changes! Check out my 8 week training program here.  

If you’re looking for quick workouts that are easy to fit into a busy schedule, check out my newest video which is a 25-minute body weight workout for when you can't make it to the gym.

I'm a mom of 4 and have been a certified personal trainer with specialties in pre- and postnatal fitness for 13 years. I'm also a certified nutrition specialist and certified meditation and mindfulness coach.

I am passionate about helping women change their lifestyles to be the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves and I've seen it happen for thousands of women.

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