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Lack of motivation... accountability... etc

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Chrono

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There was a point about 3 years ago where I was pretty damn fit. I wanted to look good... and so I put the work into it and was looking awesome after 6 months... fast forward to today... it's a different story.

How do you guys keep up your motivation? I need something to drive me forward and put my priorities in order... I just need something to light the fire in me to say.

Frustrating to say the least... the sad part is I know how to do this... it's just that I am not listening to myself.
 
Everyone's motivation is different. Finding exercises you actually enjoy doing helps alot. I love playing basketball and tennis, so those are no problem. Running at times is a chore, but I almost always run down by the lake for the nice scenery. It is more rewarding than running along a track.

For me, setting goals along the way helps push me on those days that I feel like just sitting around. I'll work towards increasing my max in different exercises. I keep a log of all my exercises so it helps ensure that I get in 4 to 5 days (sometimes 6) of exercise each and every week.

One of my main goals is to be in the best shape of my life. As I improve in different areas (running, weights, hoops, etc) I have to constantly be improving to continue being in the best shape of my life. I've had to eat better to keep up with the volume of exercise as it increases, otherwise I lack energy.
 
I was tired of being fat and I never want to be a fattie again. Also, due to my back surgery, I need to keep the weight off and keep my core strong to help maintain my my fusion.
 
Chrono said:
There was a point about 3 years ago where I was pretty damn fit. I wanted to look good... and so I put the work into it and was looking awesome after 6 months... fast forward to today... it's a different story.

How do you guys keep up your motivation? I need something to drive me forward and put my priorities in order... I just need something to light the fire in me to say.

Frustrating to say the least... the sad part is I know how to do this... it's just that I am not listening to myself.
Click to expand...

Honestly? Early bedtime. I have zero motivation when I stay up late. I pretty much have 3 modes:

1. Yay life
2. Meh
3. Kill me now

I feel great when I go to bed early (~9pm) and get enough sleep (7-8 hours). I go into "I don't care" mode when I stay up late. When I combine staying up late with not getting enough hours of sleep, I feel like death. If I want motivation, I simply need to go to bed early for a few days and I get re-energized. Unfortunately that's probably my biggest struggle in life, haha.

So, what's your sleep schedule been like lately? :awe:
 
Having the goal to look good in itself isn't very rewarding. I try to set performance-related or competition-related goals. It helps me keep my mind on why I'm exercising and once you get done with a competition or something, you feel even more motivated to get back into things. You can do something as simple as sign up for a 5k, powerlifting meet, bodybuilding show, whatever. As long as you've got something in mind to work for, you're gonna strive to be better.
 
SociallyChallenged said:
Having the goal to look good in itself isn't very rewarding.
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You'd think people in general would get more motivated by that, because pretty much everyone has that goal or kinda in the back of their mind wishes they could achieve that goal. But it just doesn't seem as sustainable a goal as many other goals are. We all know the benefits of being in shape, and they are all motivators to me. It also makes me happy being an athlete (or at least being able to do things an athlete can do).

However, thing that REALLY made a difference in my life:

Realizing that I'm responsible for my own happiness.

That sounds kindof corny and even basic, but that's the epiphany that has provided the motivation for my ability to stick with an exercise program and to do so many other things I know I should be doing...because of another intregral idea that flows from that:

If I don't get off my ass to try to do the things that make me happy, then I'm never going to acheive them.

Waiting for someone else to do things for you is a waste of your precious time.
 
Do exercises where you can add weight consistently. When you use a barbell you can add 5lbs or even 2.5lbs at a time so you don't get stuck doing the same weight over and over - the challenge to get to the next milestone is a great motivator for me.
 
repoman0 said:
Do exercises where you can add weight consistently. When you use a barbell you can add 5lbs or even 2.5lbs at a time so you don't get stuck doing the same weight over and over - the challenge to get to the next milestone is a great motivator for me.
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Same here. I am into BB, but have a pretty weak physique by BB standards. I am still always needing to put weight on the bar. Those are my short term goals and what keep me motivated.

Goals for this year include a 225 squat, 150 bench, and maybe a 225 deadlift. Gotta get to work!
 
Personally, fitness is for oneself and not for others -i.e. any benefit due to perception by others is ancillary, as 'twere. Also, it is merely a mental "switch" to derive satisfaction from denial and/or pushing oneself rather than the easy/hollow reward of piehole stuffing. I lurv good chocolate cake but cannot remember the last time I had it. I also lurv peaches 'n' such but enjoy them sans limitation.
 
SociallyChallenged said:
Having the goal to look good in itself isn't very rewarding. I try to set performance-related or competition-related goals. It helps me keep my mind on why I'm exercising and once you get done with a competition or something, you feel even more motivated to get back into things. You can do something as simple as sign up for a 5k, powerlifting meet, bodybuilding show, whatever. As long as you've got something in mind to work for, you're gonna strive to be better.
Click to expand...
This is it for me. And wanting to live a full live with my S.O.
 
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