Are you like me? I have good intentions of exercising, but I don’t always follow through. Life gets in the way sometimes and priorities change. Yes, even as a “Health & Wellness Coach” I still have times when I struggle to be consistent at the gym—I can be sporadic—working in fits & starts, then stopping again.
If you find yourself with lots of good reasons to miss your workout (no time, don’t feel like it, etc.), convincing yourself that it’s okay to put it off until tomorrow… and before you realize, a week (or a month) have gone by, read on!
So how do we all become more consistent with exercise? These are the reminders I use to encourage myself back on track. Hope they work for you too!
First, Inconsistency can occur when we set a goal too big. If we have an “all or nothing” view of exercise, it can be a set up for failure. Consider your current idea of exercise and how well is it working for you. Exercise programs can become outdated. What worked at the age of 25 may not work at the age of 45 due to changing life priorities and other commitments. Consider what is the least, smallest action you can take consistently? A 15-minute brisk walk done every single day will provide greater benefit over time than a 60 min intense workout done only occasionally. Remember the old saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, it’s not “seven apples on Sunday” or “30 apples once a month”.
Second, Inconsistency is also present when we are not fully committed to a goal. We might think about a goal, talk about it and say we want it, but if we are not focused on taking consistent action, then we are probably not entirely committed to it. Most people would take a million dollars if it were handed to them. Committing one’s life to become a millionaire is a different story. Most people are not willing to do the work, make the sacrifice, and endure patience, etc. So, you have to ask yourself if you really want it and why you want it.
Ask yourself the deeper questions. This can create a spark for inspiration into more consistent action. What is it that you really want for your life and how does exercise fit into that goal? What does exercise provide for you? Why it is important to you to exercise? Knowing your underlying reasons and being able to connect them to deeper values (freedom, peace, health, kids, family, career) is like adding jet fuel to your motivation.
Last point: It is vitally important that your motivation be generated from positive internal feelings, not negative ones. Being motivated by anger, frustration or fear may get you started, but it will not keep you going. Forgive yourself for however far you have slid regarding self care & accept where you are in this moment. Begin to explore the areas where you are willing to take responsibility for your health. Self-love & compassion for yourself go a very long way on this journey. And, remember, it is a path, not a tightrope. Be gentle with yourself.
Supporting you with distinguishing your core values and deeper motivations is something a life coach can help you explore in order to generate more consistency and get in action in the areas of life that are important to you. For more information, email info@seedsofchangecoaching.com
