I set a personal goal to walk/elliptical, or run 1,000 intentional miles this year. So, here I am walking on the treadmill after a client cancelled this morning, and it resonates with me that we
I set a personal goal to walk/elliptical, or run 1,000 intentional miles this year. So, here I am walking on the treadmill after a client cancelled this morning, and it resonates with me that we make time for the things we value and find the most important. A lot of this comes back to our “self talk”. Start keeping a journal of your thoughts throughout the day. We could do this with a variety of focus points but for the purpose of finding time for fitness, keep a journal for a week or two writing down all of your thoughts when you think about exercise.
Once you have a list start looking at why you believe those thoughts. For Example, “I’m too tired”, “I don’t have time”, “people will make fun of me at the gym”. All of these feel like your truths, but it is important to direct other thoughts back at them. “I’m too tired” – Remind yourself It doesn’t have to be the worlds most intense workout to be a step in the right direction. “I don’t have time” – You only have time for things you make time for, sit down, schedule out your day, and block out time for your workouts! We don’t cancel appointments we make with other people, stop flaking on yourself and your goals. Or, try telling a friend of your workout plans, then make a point to tell them how your workout went later that day! Use each other as a form of accountability. If you worry “people will make fun of me” – First of all, most people at the gym are to focused on their own workouts and personal suffering, to notice other people. Second, remind yourself why you need to workout, find a gym you feel more comfortable at, make a space in your home to workout, or find a friend who will go with you to make you more comfortable.
Keep arguing back with your negative self talk and start creating a new relationship with your fitness. Believe in your goals and yourself! Be your biggest cheerleader! Remind yourself the benefits of fitness and why you are working out in the first place! Remembering your “why” and firing it right back at your negative self talk will give you the ammunition to get past those stumbling blocks and start your new habit.