A lot of you may be seeking a new look this year whether it be fitness related, business, or personal. There are a few universal principles that help to remain motivated to reach your goals.
1.) Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People:
For a lot of us, it's as easy as joining a studio style gym. Not just crossfit, but any gym that is predominantly classes where you're forced to interact with other people. Even joining a bootcamp at a globo gym can be very effective for this since everyone who steps foot in a crossfit or bootcamp is there to get better and that can be powerful a motivator. When it comes to the business world, or even on a personal level, search your local area for social clubs, local church groups, community events, or even trade shows. These are all concentrated groups of individuals seeking to belong and once you've found where you belong you can build from that strong foundation.
Find a mentor/coach:
If you're having trouble finding those like minded people, seek out a coach/mentor-- a simple google search can find you almost anyone in the world and there are always people willing to help or give advice. Although, some might charge for that advice, it’s best to always do your homework and make sure that you're getting your money’s worth. This can also be a great jumping off point for individuals looking to try something new whether it be investing or exercising competitively. Once you've built that strong foundation with a coach, it's easier to find motivation or have them assist you anytime you might be lacking that motivation.
2.) Change The World Around You:
You will rarely change as an individual and not see the consequences of those actions. Usually consequences has a negative connotation but if you are serious about your goals, then changing your daily life is crucial to staying motivated. If everyone around you hates your goals, how long will it take for their negative talk to change your motivation? However, it's not always people. It could be daily habits and simply preparing breakfast the night before so you save time in the morning and don’t feel tempted to stop at the donut shop on the way to work, is a good way to regiment your life and keep your motivation, and goals on track. As you become more dedicated to your goals, they naturally mold and change you; so be prepared for that change.
3.) Leave Your Comfort Zone
Change won't come in your comfort zone, because..... you're comfortable there i.e. no need to change. You should constantly challenge yourself, whether it’s taking a new class (athletic or academic), going to community rallies that your ideals don't necessarily align with. Also, check out a competitor's business as a potential customer-- just to check out what you can do better. Testing your way of thinking can help expand it and maintain different routes for motivation. Even if leaving your comfort zone reaffirms your way of thinking, it strengthens your resolve which can be very powerful.
4.) Mental Imagery:
You must visually, and mentally walk through every step of your execution, regardless of the endeavor. Even if it’s in business or fitness, you must think about the crucial steps to your success. You need to visualize each part of your workout or competition, In business, you must visualize your sale. Whether it’s your sale to your manager that you’re doing and convince them that you’re going to be able to get the job done above and beyond expectations, or if you're actually in sales, it’s selling your product or service to your customer.
5.) Re-Evaluate Progress:
Constantly set goals; small goals. Whether it’s weight loss, or growing your business, you must set realistic, and obtainable, goals periodically so that you can evaluate your progress. If you're original goal may have been too lofty, or maybe not ambitious enough, by reevaluating, you can adjust your goals accordingly. Reaching your small periodic goals are one of the most crucial aspects of maintaining motivation.
Strictly applicable to crossfit: Periodic tests are necessary and finding someone to help you set up those tests is appropriate. If that’s your coach, or even a like minded friend, they are more qualified to set up tests that will, appropriately, test you, and not just play to your strengths. A test that only plays to your strengths will not give you an appropriate result.
All of these previously mentioned strategies are just that, they are strategies to attack the issues of motivation. They must be addressed together as a whole. Only focusing on one of these strategies without the other four would be as useless as running around in circles. You must use these all as one whole strategy to stay motivated and reach your goals. Any questions or rebuttals? feel free to message me or leave a comment.
