It isn’t just New Year’s resolutions that we tend to make and break. Whether it’s a promise to take up running next week, or to stop drinking next month, there’s always another day, another time, another promise and a good intention waster. But if there’s one thing that the last year has taught us it’s that nothing can be taken for granted and that we really need to embrace the moment and say yes today – because who knows what tomorrow will look like?
If, like most of us, you want to get fitter, stronger and healthier then the time to start is now. Here’s how to get motivated so that you kick start your healthy new routines with a bang but also keep them going when the initial novelty has worn off.
5 Ways to Feel More Motivated
1. Failure to Plan…
Is planning to fail as the old saying goes. Coming up with an exercise timetable or weekly meal plan will make you more likely to keep it up. In fact you have a 91% chance of success if you schedule your workouts. Don’t have time to plan? Just download one of our training guides, and you’re good to go. You’ll also find lots of healthy and simple recipes on our nutrition page, so you don’t need to waste hours scouring online.
2. Create Consequence
It can be a dangerous road if you start to punish yourself for dropping your healthy new habit but giving yourself a simple (but annoying) consequence can help you to stay committed. Something like putting a few quid in a jar each time you skip a workout or snooze your alarm 27 times, is a good place to start. Plus, the extra money you’re putting aside will certainly come in handy and give you a little boost of pride.
3. Treat Yo’ Self
Although consequences can be good, like an excited puppy we prefer a treat-based system. Getting after your goals? Celebrate your mile stones (no matter how small) and you’ll be more likely to keep turning up. Wondering what we mean? If you go a whole week making healthy dinners from scratch, treat yourself to your favourite takeaway, or if you’re flying through your training schedule why not book in a day in the mud?
4. Two is Better than One
Accountability is key. It’s much harder to drop out of healthy new habits if your friend or family member is watching. Multiple studies have found that exercising with a friend or partner can help you keep up an exercise routine by making it more fun and harder for you to skip a session. Don’t fancy simply running side by side? Check out this simple partner workout.
5. Dress for success
According to a study simply putting on exercise clothes will make you more motivated to work out, so why not treat yourself to some sexy new Tough Mudder kit?
It doesn’t just work for exercise. Working from home regularly has made us all way too comfortable in our jogging bottoms and pyjamas. Try putting on actual clothes, as if you were going to work normally and you might find that it boosts your confidence and productivity.
Not booked your Tough Mudder experience yet? Tickets are available now, book your spot today. We’ll see you on the start line.
