Only motivated in groups

[Satisfaction]

I can self motivate myself to do most things but when it comes to exercise and studying, I find it really rough going and can only really manage if I train with a group.

Has anyone got any tips on staying focused and motivating myself to train? What do you do?

[You'reasian]

I can self motivate myself to do most things but when it comes to exercise and studying, I find it really rough going and can only really manage if I train with a group.

Has anyone got any tips on staying focused and motivating myself to train? What do you do?

 

What else motivates you?

[Satisfaction]

What else motivates you?

 

I don't know... Stuff that is fun immediately? Like chocolate or music. I am very poorly motivated , I must say. I do most things out of a grudging sense of duty and fear of consequences which I am trying to get myself out of but I can't seem to find any alternatives that actually work.

 

I am really reluctant to try stuff like NLP though

[xpaperxcutx]

I don't know... Stuff that is fun immediately? Like chocolate or music. I am very poorly motivated , I must say. I do most things out of a grudging sense of duty and fear of consequences which I am trying to get myself out of but I can't seem to find any alternatives that actually work.

 

I am really reluctant to try stuff like NLP though

 

Do you exercise with music? Whenever I'm feeling sluggish, I immediately whip out my ipod and start listening to some reggaeton remixes.

 

You're going to have to train your mind if you want to push yourself. I never used to like weight training, but I notice the more muscles I'd gained, the more I want to challenge myself to lift heavy.

 

You can think in terms of progress or end results. Do you feel more motivated when you're actually pushing yourself, or are you motivated when you think about " yes, I lost 2 lbs at the end of the week?"

[sunshinegirl]

What kind of exercise do you like to do? Whatever it is, there are probably groups in your area that do such things. ie running clubs, hiking groups, kayaking/canoeing/rafting groups, other kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, etc. The only thing that has motivated me to train for a marathon is joining a group that is training for the same race...

[Joe Normal]

I can self motivate myself to do most things but when it comes to exercise and studying, I find it really rough going and can only really manage if I train with a group.

Has anyone got any tips on staying focused and motivating myself to train? What do you do?

 

I have the same problem. At college I was in great shape as I had a couple of friends who were fitness fanatics and I just had to keep up 75% with them. Out on my own I became a couch potato for about a decade before starting up again at much reduced fitness.

 

Here's what I've found useful for motivation:

 

1. Find an exercise partner! SOOOO much easier if you do this.

2. If you can't find a partner, consider a personal trainer, or join a cheap gym and make a friend there.

3. Try to do a workout you find fun. For example if you like a certain sport, look at the routines that athletes in that sport do. I like boxing so I look at what stuff they do and incorporate the stuff I'm capable of (on a lower level obviously). If you like squash or tennis, then 45 mins active play on the court is going to be a LOT easier to be motivated for than 45 mins on a treadmill or pounding the pavement. Basically, do something active that you enjoy, rather than do home/gym work that you find boring.

4. Adopt a mentality of trying to reach and maintain good fitness for the long run. If you are thinking "8 weeks to get rid of my fat stomach" then it's harder to sustain. If you are thinking positively about wanting to get in shape and (more important) stay that way for the rest of your life, it's a stronger motivation IMO.

5. Do a minimum amount each day, even if you don't feel like it. Even just doing 1 minute is better than nothing. And once you have started that minute, it is 10 times easier to keep going to 2, 5, 10, 30 mins. You feel the laziest just before you start - once you've begun, it's much easier to continue. So start at least 1 minute per day - even the laziest slob can't say that 1 min exercise is "too hard".

6. Get some good workout music. Put it on your mp3 player, get some small speaker system and put it in the room or gym you work out it (or wear it and use headphones if you are outside).

7. Get a dedicated workout space. Stick up some motivational posters - favourite athletes, or people known for fitness.

8. Ask your partner or room mate to keep on your case not to quit. It's harder to shirk if you know you'll get called on it.

9. Keep it up for 3 months. After 3 months, most behaviours become a habit.

10. Even if your main workout is 3-4 times a week, always do a little each day. It becomes a habit much quicker if you're used to doing it each day.

11. Do it first thing in the morning - it's much easier to be motivated then. Later in the day, you feel more tired, it gets dark, it's nearer bedtime or going out with friends time, and it's easier to shirk and think "I'll do it tomorrow".

 

Basically you should try to make it fun, get some inspiration & role models, get 1 or more people to help motivate or watch over you, and try to turn it into a habit - and if you really don't want to do it, at least do something no matter how small each day.

 

For motivation in general (inc studying), I found it pretty useful to try and visualize the long-term consequences of doing it, versus not doing it. You have to stop thinking of responsibilities as annoying, boring, unpleasant things (which is their superficial/immediate impression), and instead think of them as tools and allies in achieving your goals and making you a stronger, better, happier and more productive person. Turn their long-term benefits into their immediate mental association in your mind. Think rationally about their pros & cons, rather than letting fleeting emotions like laziness and procrastination dominate your perception.

Edited February 14, 2010 by Joe Normal

[Satisfaction]

Thank you all so much for these detailed and helpful answers! :)