You don't need more motivation to get fit and in shape!
The word motivation would have to be one of the most over-used words in the English language.
It's used every single day across multiple fields and businesses.
Motivation this. Motivation that.
Personally, I feel it has been used an excuse as to why people can't do things in their life.
- "I'm not motivated."
- "If I only had more motivation."
- "I wish I knew how to get/stay motivated."
If only there was more motivation to go around.
All the guys would have guns like Arnold, with 6-pack abs and all the girls would have toned legs, a flat tummy and a rockin' booty!
Ahhh, what a life that would be.
I don't mean to sound like the bearer of bad news, but, here goes.
Motivation isn't the real issue, here.
The real issue is your ability to get focused and stay that way.
You don't need more motivation, at all!
You need more focus.
I'm sure you can recall a time where you were pumped up and had some really big fitness goals that you wanted to accomplish.
Now, think back to what caused this rush of inspiration and excitement to achieve those goals.
Was it an inspirational Rocky video on YouTube?
Or, was it the fact you started picturing the end result and goal vividly in your mind?
*If* it was Rocky, please let me know which video so I can catch a glimpse. Just kidding.
Anyway, back to the task at hand.
Ah, there's that 'focus' thing, again.
Ok. It is a bit inspiring. But, the inspiration fades after a while...
So, how the hell do you stay focused for long periods of time?
Really, it comes down to NOT having a million different goals.
If you are looking to achieve all of the following goals, how many do you think you would hit?
- Men, body-fat under 10%
- Women, body-fat under 20%
- Run 5kms in 25 mins
- Complete 10x pull-ups unassisted
- Deadlift 2x Body-weight
It would be bloody hard to hit all of those goals at the same time!
It's essentially the equivalent of being a jack of all trades. And master of NONE.
You're trying to focus on:
- Decreasing body-fat
- Increasing muscle mass
- Becoming more efficient at cardio (Counter-productive for fat loss, by the way)
- Improving your relative strength
- Losing the tummy and/or bingo wings
What if, instead of focusing on all of that, you focus on one single goal.....
Like, losing 5kg in 6 months?
Or, getting into a size 12 in 3 months?
Or, looking a million bucks for that upcoming wedding/event?
That is how you stay focused, or 'motivated'. If you want to call it that.
Stop seeking motivation and start focusing on one single goal.
Once you reach that goal, you can move onto the next one. Not before!
Renowned strength coach, Dan John has a quote which exemplifies this philosophy. It goes, "The goal is to keep the goal, the goal".
Re-read that a few times if you need. Let it sink in.
Pick a goal which you are serious about achieving and put a tonne of attention and effort into it.
Below are some concise action items that you can use and put in place.
- Identify your most important goal
- Put a suitable plan in action
- Follow the plan
- Course correct and adjust to keep you on track
- Apply lots of focused effort until you reach your goal
No more motivation will be needed for you moving forwards.
Motivation comes and goes, like the tide.
So, it's up to you to create the best environment and set-up which leaves you feeling inspired each and every day.
To your success,
Jesse
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