6 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Get Moving

We all need a little motivation to get moving from time to time. Whether it is to start a new workout program or typical areas of life like reducing debt, saving money or getting a promotion at work. Below are some of the best techniques that I like to use, to not only set goals for myself, but to reach those goals and surpass them.

1. SET GOALS – Set a S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Oriented) Goal that you write down on a calendar, dry erase board or journal where it is visible EVERYDAY! We need to constantly be reminded so we do not get off track. I like to write my goals on my dry erase calendar on my desk so it is visible. Another method is to write your goals or motivational reminders on your mirror in the bathroom. You can use a Sharpie (Yes, they will erase on a mirror), but if you don’t trust that, then just use a dry-erase marker. You can also steal a page from MJ’s (Being Mary Jane) book, writing goals and motivational quotes on sticky notes and post those to your mirror, work station or any area where they will have constant visibility. I also like to set notifications on my phone that have motivation sayings and reminders to stay on track.
2. Hold Yourself Accountable – Tell your closest friends and family about your goals so they hold you accountable or you can even incorporate them in your goal. If you are setting a fitness or weight loss goal, including a friend is a great way to achieve success. Not only will you hold each other accountable, but there will be some competition and someone that you can workout with, walk with or be miserable giving up your favorite foods together. If it’s a bigger goal, like starting a business or keeping up your finances, your family and friends will continuously ask questions that will prompt you to get moving. Another surefire way is to post it on Facebook. You know it’s not official until you post it on Facebook! Then, you REALLY have a big group of people to track your progress and hold you accountable. Post your goal and then continue to track your progress so you have a social support system. If you are a little more private, you can create a private group on Facebook. Include people who you know will support you or may want to join in on your goal or challenge.
3. Create Competition – Everyone loves a good healthy competition. Why do you think Fitbit is so successful? Because people are competitive! Whether your goal is fitness related or work related, you can start a challenge. If you don’t have a Fitbit, I highly recommend getting one and follow me, so you can join in our weekly and daily challenges. I am super competitive, but I know everyone else has a fiery drive inside of them. Especially, when you incorporate co-workers in Fitbit challenges, you know Nancy in HR is NOT going to beat you in steps this week! 😉 Again, Facebook Groups provide a place where you can incorporate challenges receive support and motivation and they are always fun. You can make these public for your friends to join or private where it is by invitation only.
4. Force Yourself to do More – When it comes to working out, I look at everything as a means to get a workout in. If I have the opportunity and time to walk somewhere versus driving, I will walk. Park further from the store and the house when getting groceries, so you have to walk further with all of your groceries, which counts as weight. I have three dogs, so I will walk them separately around the block so no one is neglected and I get extra exercise and steps in. You know your kids would love to go the park, so take them and wear them out while you get a little exercise in too. Do your kids have football, soccer, cheer or wrestling practice? Great! Instead of sitting on the field or in the car looking at social media pics, you can walk laps around the field or gym while they practice. Getting a Fitbit is also key for this! I have never forced myself to do more than when I got a Fitbit and didn’t want anyone to knock me out of first place. I would figure out ways to get more steps and do the most. Yes, I get tired, but it also helped me lose 20 lbs, just by walking. Yes, walking! If we are referring to work or life goals, the same pertains. Volunteer for that big project or to help a co-worker. Yes, it will take more time and work, but it will also help you reach your goal of getting that promotion. If it’s your finances, set auto payments to come directly from your check in to an account that you cannot easily withdrawal from or up the amount of an auto payment to include interest and pay down debt.
5. Track Your Progress – Track your progress weekly. Get a calendar that is visible and write down your goals and progress. I like to visualize the weekly goals I have set and write it down on every Friday of my calendar. This way, I have a goal to reach each week and it’s broken down in smaller, more achievable portions. For instance, if it’s my measurements and weight. I will write down what I would like my measurements and weight to be at in the future, so I have realistic, attainable numbers to strive for. I also write out my schedule for the week. I will write out each workout I plan to attend or big achievements for each day. Not only do you feel accomplished when you can cross them off your list but your aren’t blindly going through your day. Same with other life goals. For work, I will write down my weekly and monthly goals and assess them as I go to see where I am at and what I need to accomplish for the rest of the week or month. For my finances, I get monthly notifications on my credit and I track my bills, payments and bank statements monthly to ensure I am on track with my financial goals.
6. Reward and Reflect – Everyone needs to be told they have done a great job or receive recognition for their accomplishments. As you see your positive progress, be proud. Post it to your social media accounts or your group challenges. Immediate gratification will feel great and give you motivation to keep going! If it’s personal, tell a close friend or loved one of your achievements. You will also motivate others by sharing your progress. Pay it forward! Reward yourself. If you’ve been working hard on your fitness and weight loss goals and have seen results, give yourself a cheat day, spa day or just a lazy day to do nothing. If you’ve achieved a work related goal, take a day off. If it’s your financial goals that you’ve had progress with, go buy a little something. If you’re a shopper like me, you may want to keep that to a “little something”. Then reflect on your progress and get back to work. Reflect on what you have done so far to get to where you are, what works and what doesn’t and adjust your goals if you need to.