I’m attempting one thing a little bit totally different at present.
Over the previous 15 years of working with shoppers, I’ve discovered that success in health isn’t nearly realizing what to do… it’s about having methods for when issues inevitably get robust.
The place do habits often break down? Why does motivation fizzle out? And what can we really do about it?
Behind the scenes, I’ve been constructing a “teaching toolkit” that maps this all out. (In it’s present type, there are 7 huge challenges, 22 underlying causes, and over 50 ways that I take advantage of with shoppers to assist them keep on monitor.)
Right now, I need to zoom in on only one a part of that toolkit: 3 times motivation dips and the way to reply.
I recorded a 15-minute video strolling by these concepts. You possibly can watch it on YouTube, or deal with it like a brief podcast when you’re driving, cooking, or folding laundry.
And in case you favor the quick-hit model, listed below are the highlights:
Dip #1: The Preliminary Push
If you happen to battle to get began with a health plan, or say to your self, “I simply can’t appear to get motivated”, that is for you.
Whereas this seems like a motivation downside, it typically covers up a sources downside.
If you happen to’re already tremendous harassed, busy, and have a ton in your plate, it’s actually laborious so as to add health on high of all the pieces else.
Listed below are three ways to strive:
- The Massive Why: Join your objectives to your core values by asking “why” change is essential to you a number of occasions. It gained’t immediately handle a sources downside in and of itself, however it may be useful to fall again on when making selections about the place to focus your time and power.
- Temptation Bundling: Pair one thing difficult with one thing fulfilling.
- Upgrade Your Bat Cave: Make small modifications in your atmosphere to advertise your required habits.
Dip #2: All-or-Nothing
If you happen to begin off actually robust, however battle to remain motivated lengthy sufficient, or say to your self, “I fell off the wagon and simply couldn’t get again on,” that is for you.
We frequently put loads of stress on ourselves to do all the pieces completely RIGHT NOW IMMEDIATELY. Add to that our tendency to place our blinders on and attempt to simply “push by”, and we set ourselves as much as repeat this sample over. And over. And over.
Listed below are two ways to strive:
- Turn on Dial Mode: There isn’t any “regular” day. So let’s plan for that!
- Set An Accumulation Aim: Reasonably than construct an ideal streak, as a substitute give attention to accumulating follow.
Dip #3: Ambiguous Outcomes
If you happen to’ve been constant for some time, however really feel such as you haven’t actually seen any huge modifications but, it may be actually laborious to remain motivated!
That is one motive why we’ve discovered having the ability to visualize your progress over time is so essential.
Listed below are two ways to strive:
- Zoom In, Zoom Out: Laser in your day-to-day habits and exercises and acquire information. Then, each 2-6 weeks, step again and consider your progress. This helps you keep away from the fixed comparisons, whereas nonetheless making course corrections on a well timed foundation.
- Development Stacking: Ask your self: what has the development of my exercises and habits regarded like over the past 4-6 weeks? If issues are stagnant, take into consideration one little adjustment you can also make to get the ball rolling once more. That might appear like including a number of reps to your workouts, taking a stroll break in the course of the day, or leveling as much as the following Nerd Fitness Nutrition Leve!
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That’s the gist – however the the video digs deeper into the small print of every one.
I’d love to listen to from you: do you want this format? Extra whiteboard-style breakdowns of huge concepts you possibly can come again to? Simply hit reply and let me know. –Matt
P.S. We’re hiring! We’re on the lookout for a marketing specialist to join our team and work intently with me!
If you happen to’ve bought the expertise and drive to assist us make a distinction within the health business, please take a look at the hyperlink and take into account making use of. ❤️
