Summary of 7 Ways to Stay Motivated (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It):
to be motivated. So, if you’re struggling to stay motivated, make sure you’re clocking in at least seven hours of sleep each night. 7. Find an Accountability Partner A recent study found that when people are held accountable for their actions, they are more likely to follow through. If you’re having trouble staying motivated, find an accountability partner. This could be a friend, a coach, or even a virtual group. Just make sure it’s someone who will motivate you, not judge you.
Motivation is a psychological state in which a person desires a change in themselves or their environment and is willing to take action to make it happen. It can be either intrinsic or extrinsic, but intrinsic motivation is more effective and durable when it comes to making a sustained lifestyle change. However, motivation is unreliable and should not be relied upon alone to achieve goals. Habits are the best way to short-circuit the decision-making process and reduce the need for motivation. To stay motivated, start small, schedule the desired action, set a challenging but achievable goal, trick yourself, use interrogative self-talk, get a good night’s sleep, and find an accountability partner.
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is for something as simple as taking a walk. That’s because your body is trying to conserve energy in order to make up for the energy deficit created by sleep deprivation. As a result, you may find yourself feeling unmotivated to do anything, let alone something as seemingly strenuous as exercise. To combat this, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours a night, and if you can’t hit that goal, make sure to take a nap during the day. 7. Reward Yourself We all need a little reward every now and then. When it comes to maintaining motivation, the key is to pick rewards that align with your goals. For example, if you’re trying to break a sugar habit, reward yourself with something other than a sugary treat. Maybe a new pair of workout leggings or a relaxing massage? Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that makes you feel good — and is also in line with your health goals.
The Bottom Line
Motivation is a powerful tool, but it’s unreliable and can’t be relied on to achieve lasting behavior change. Instead, focus on turning healthy behaviors into habits and stacking them so that one action leads to another. And, when motivation flags, rely on these 7 tips to stay motivated and on track. With a little effort, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your health and wellness goals.
