The truth about the constant journey to find that motivation to exercise or work out. It’s not always as glamorous or straightforward as the success stories make it seem.

Time Management

In the real world, finding time for fitness is a continuous challenge. Between work, family, and social commitments, it’s all too easy to prioritize everything else over your well-being. But, I’ve realized that it’s not about finding time; it’s about making time. My fitness journey began when I decided to treat my health as a priority, carving out moments in the day for workouts like any other essential task. If you have all that time to browse the internet, watch a show or movie, or check your social media feed, then you have time for your physical well-being by completing a workout. If you play it right, that physical well-being of the workout can also be a mental well-being for yourself as well!

Laziness

Laziness is a formidable opponent. There were countless mornings when the appeal of the snooze button felt irresistible. Breaking the cycle of inactivity required a mental shift. I started viewing exercise not as a chore but as an investment in myself. Find those activities you genuinely enjoy to help turn laziness into enthusiasm. If you honestly tried multiple mornings and it just doesn’t work for you then try the evenings. Or if the time allows at your place of work, maybe even knock out a workout during your lunch hour. For example, utilize your breaks for eating and save the time for your lunch hour (or half hour if that is what you get) for a walk or jog, or bodyweight exercises. Just make sure you have some really good deodorant if you don’t have the luxury of a shower where you work.

Being Overweight

The mirror reflected a truth I could not ignore. Acceptance was the first step. Instead of fixating on the scale, I focused on how each workout made me feel. It shouldn’t be about just shedding pounds. It should be about gaining strength, endurance, and confidence. The weight loss became a byproduct of a healthier lifestyle. If you have a plan or schedule and keep consistent with it, being overweight will take care of itself.

Power of a Support System

I’ve had no problem with conquering my fitness goals solo. However, having a reliable workout buddy, or a friend, or joining an online community are all great ideas to try. Having people cheering you on makes quite a difference. It’s good to hear the compliments and those compliments can quickly turn into your motivation to continue. The shared victories and the friendships can turn an independent journey into a shared triumph.

Celebrating Small Wins

Every journey is made up of small steps, and it’s important to celebrate those victories. I used to downplay my achievements, waiting for a grand finale. But the truth is, those small wins are the building blocks of success. Whether it’s walking an extra quarter mile, choosing a salad over fries…ooo that’s a tough one so let’s say choosing fruit over that cake, or simply showing up to do what you know you can, each success deserves recognition.

My journey toward fitness motivation is an ongoing story. It’s messy, challenging, and burdened with setbacks, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned that motivation isn’t a constant. It’s a changing energy that requires development and modification. By acknowledging the challenges and celebrating the victories, I’m learning (still) to find joy in the process rather than fixating on the destination. Here’s to embracing the struggle, finding motivation in unexpected places, and never underestimating the power of a single step.

Check out my VIDEO on motivation for a jog (or walk).