Getting Started

Getting started is usually and always the hardest part for most women and definitely me! I tend to follow the first half of Newton's Law of Inertia, "An object at rest will stay at rest, forever, as long as nothing pushes or pulls on it. An object in motion will stay in motion, traveling in a straight line, forever, until something pushes or pulls on it." 


I need motivation, I need to get that one foot out the door for my run, take the first step, break a sweat and then I am committed. Until that point of commitment I tend to just ponder upon what I should be doing...whether it's exercising, eating better, cleaning house, etc. Some people (the lucky ones) can't make themselves sit still and some people can't make themselves get going without a little motivation.


Motivation is a tricky thing. Most people say they can't motivate themselves or they are lacking motivation to make a change but I think every one has something that can motivate them...just finding what makes you tick can be a little tough sometimes!


So here are some tips I have found that help me get going and stay going!


1) Write it down! - We all have a goal we want to reach (ie) lose weight, get in better shape, eat better...but just knowing and saying that will not help you get there. You have to act upon it. Often times quantifying and writing down those goals will help you get on the path to actually achieving them!! Try giving yourself one goal a month and then move to the next! Don't over do it or you won't make it past the first week!


2) Have accountability - Share what you have written down (your goals) with someone whether it's your husband, best friend, training partner, personal trainer, etc. Allow them to keep a copy and make sure you are sticking to your plan. 


3) Work towards something - find some type of activity or event that will help motivate you to work towards your goals (ie) Class Reunion, Running a race - sign up for one and give yourself time to succeed at it and get a training buddy. 


4) Keep the end in mind - don't think about the day to day, the hard work and effort reaching your goal will take. Remind yourself constantly of the end results. You will run that race, You will look smoking at that reunion, You will....whatever it is. 


5) Ask yourself Why? - Why is it that you want to achieve a particular goal? Why are you working towards something - I never liked cardio but my family has a history of high blood pressure and heart attacks. I started running so I can help keep this under control and be around with my kids and husband when I am 50! Of course that is if the Lord wills it to be!


6) Find your inspiration - is there someone, something that inspires you? Be realistic...Often times we want to look like someone and that's never going to happen. Not because you didn't work your fanny off but because that's not how God made you! So be realistic about your inspiration! Don't set yourself up to fail before you ever start!


7) Stay positive - I can be hard to stay positive if you aren't seeing change as quickly as you think you should...remember to be realistic here as well! Find your inner cheerleader and get going! My best example was a lady at our local park - while she was running she kept telling herself, "I got this, I got this". Over and over and I bet she finished what she came to do!! So keep that smile on and have a positive attitude!


Motivation is often the first step to getting started to a better you! Try these 7 tips and see if you can't get yourself motivated to achieve your Bucket List!