Starting a new exercise program is easy when compared to maintaining an exercise routine for the long run. That is so true; we do it every year. When the holiday season ends and a new year begins, many of us decide that it is time for a change. We make big plans and get all excited about them. And it works really well for the first few weeks. We push ourselves hard and never miss a training session. We tend to think that if some exercise is good, then more is better. But unfortunately, this leads to overtraining, fatigue, and sometimes injuries. Exercising is not fun anymore and it becomes a burden. We lose the interest in healthy activities, and nothing seems to motivate us anymore. We start using anything as an excuse to skip workouts, and when we least expect, we are back to our old not-so-healthy lifestyle. Why does this happen?
I believe that this happens because most people can’t identify what really motivates them. For example, when you’ve decided to begin exercising regularly, have you ever thought about the reasons that drove you to it in the first place? Why did you decide to change? And why now? More often than not, we make decisions based on the wrong reasons: an upcoming social event, an insistent spouse, or a successful friend. These are all extrinsic factors that only have a small influence on your behaviors. Once something more important comes up, these false motivators will fade away, leaving you frustrated. At the end, if the reasons to sustain a desired behavior are not significant enough for you, you will give up.
Thus, the way to successful long-term lifestyle changes is by discovering more about your very own self. A reasonable approach is for me to ask you some questions. Imagine the perfect world, where time or money is not an issue. A world in which you could do whatever you want to feel good about yourself. Now, what does this world look like in your perspective? What kind of activities would you like to try, or what kind of behaviors would you like to practice? What outcomes do you expect to get from these activities or behaviors? How would you like to feel while participating in these activities?
By answering those questions, you should be able to understand which behaviors and activities provide feelings of well-being, self-confidence, and acceptance. These are intrinsic motivators, and these are the reasons you should have in mind when trying to change some aspect of your life. Keep in mind that when you feel good about yourself, you are going to do your best to maintain this feeling. It is instinctive. However, if you engage in a new behavior that makes you feel miserable, you won’t be able to keep it no matter how hard you try.
Therefore, it is important to envision your exercise routine as something that makes you feel good about yourself. If you can’t get this feeling from it, you are on the wrong path. Maybe you are not ready for the change just yet, or you may simply be focusing on the wrong activities. Remember that everyone is different, and what works for a friend (or a celebrity) may not be right for you. This is a path of self-discovery – a trial-and-error process. You may have to try several modalities until you find the one that matches your needs. And it is ok to be really into something one month, just to discover another fascinating activity the next one. There is nothing saying that you have to choose one and only one activity for the rest of your life. This rule also applies to intensity. Some days, you will find yourself wanting to push your limits, while others, a light walk will be enough. So, listen to your body and respect its limits. You will find that a more sensible approach is better for long-term results. After all, physical activity should be a lifetime experience, not some crazy routine we put ourselves into when we want to fit into a pair of jeans.