What I tell myself when I'm not motivated to train
This might surprise you but... even though I obviously love yoga and know its benefits very well... I don't always want to do yoga.
I also do strength training, and lifting those heavy weights sometimes seems like so much effort when I could do other things (like watching Korean game shows and eating Tony's Chocolonely).
(Seriously though, Koreans do reality TV better than anyone else. I highly recommend you watch Physical 100 and The Devil's Plan. And talk to me about it if you do!)
Anyway, it happened last week. I just didn't feel like training at all.
Here are 2 things I told myself that got me motivated to get up and do the work:
1. Never break a promise to yourself
I had promised myself I would train a minimum of 3 times per week. It was already Wednesday and I had done nothing.
I don't want to disappoint myself or to break my own trust.
2. Done is better than perfect
I could do a shorter workout. I could lift lighter weights.
Anything I needed to make it more appealing. As long I did something.
Not all your workouts need to be an hour long and super challenging. If you need to only commit to 5 minutes of gentle movement to make it easier to start, do that. Chances are you will keep going after the 5 minutes.
As a bonus, here's a question to get you motivated to do the right thing:
How do I want to feel tomorrow morning?
Long term benefits are too abstract to get us to make the right choices. So instead, think about tomorrow-you.
How does he or she deserve to feel? What can you do to make that happen?
In my case, I didn't want to feel disappointed in myself. I wanted a sense of accomplishment and some good soreness in my muscles. So I got up and trained.
I hope this inspires you to take good care of yourself today.
And if you need some personalised support to feel better in your body and mind, answer these questions and I'll come back to you.
If we work together, I'll make custom yoga classes for you, as well as follow-along short routines for you to practise on your own. You'll get to work specifically on the areas that need the most care! You'll feel stronger and more flexible in no time.
I'll also support you to build healthier habits. Maybe helping you set up a morning routine or improving your sleep hygiene, if that's relevant to you.
My support is gentle and adapts to your life. I don't do one-size-fits-all.
If you have any questions before we talk, click the button below to check out my website.
Looking forward to hearing from you and helping you build a more peaceful life 🧡
Om shanti
Clem