This New Year's Eve, I sat back and reflected on how my 2019 went. This past year has definitely been a memorable one but not one that I honestly feel too proud of.
I've made great friends, did awesome in school, traveled to new countries, and made awesome memories. But all whilst doing that, I was very unmotivated through it all. I went through the motions and got done what I needed to. I never did more than I had to, and I always took the easy route.
As hard as that is to admit, it feels good to confess it!
One major aspect of the laziness and unmotivated state of mind I experienced was the lack of time I spent taking care of my body. I went to the gym five times max this year. Now that's just sad!
With the new year coming, it's easy to find that little burst of motivation to do whatever you have been putting off. For me, it's going to the gym. Now, this motivation we all find around the new year is awesome and definitely something to grab ahold of. But will it last you the whole year?
Chances are slim.
I've compiled a couple of ways I'm going to try to motivate myself to hit the gym — not just for the first few weeks, but for the whole year. We got this!
1. Stop beating myself up mentally
I think of my lack of motivation and effort, and it honestly just ruins my mood. Motivation to accomplishing tasks shouldn't come from guilt. Whole guilt is definitely a motivator. The guilt will fade, and you'll lose the need/want to accomplish whatever it is you're doing.
2. Motivate myself by designing a life I want to live
In my situation with the gym, I can do this by picturing a healthier and more fit version of myself. Seeing that version of me and keeping that mental image in my mind will last a lot longer than the guilty motivation.
3. Make it fun
I went out and bought new workout clothes that I felt awesome in. When you feel your best, you do your best. From my own personal experience, I feel my best when I'm wearing something I feel happy and confident in.
My last tip to you is to hold yourself accountable. I do this by setting goals with a friend. I found a gym buddy who is in a similar situation to me with similar goals, and we designed a workout routine that we can do together. If one of us slacks off, the other will be there to pick them back up.
Forming new habits and setting goals for yourself is not a piece of cake. Give yourself a break and know you'll have slip-ups, we all do! Don't let those slip-ups determine your motivation.
Let's make 2020 our year.
