Motivation is GONE...what do I do???

[Fitswimmer]

I was great at exercising-really, I was. I got up at 4:30 5 days a week, worked out for an hour before work every day. Rain, snow, sleet, late nights, no matter what. Sometimes I even went after work again because I just liked it.

Then, I had surgery in January of 2006, major abdominal work. Since then I have just not been able to get back into a steady routine. I use the least little thing as an excuse to skip. It's too hot, my foot hurts, I was up late last night, I don't want to take the car out....you name it.

What tricks have worked to get you motivated? I need some serious HELP!!!

 

[disneychrista]

The best motivation is to force yourself to do it. Once you get started, you will want to finish. And each day it will get easier and easier.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I'm sorry you've lost "it." I go through this from time-to-time. Best I can offer is to just schedule yourself without any excuse. Make it happen and it will.

I can say right now I am not enjoying the journey as much, but doc has said never to quit. Sigh. So I keep on keepin' on. You do this too.

You know it is the best thing for you, just get yourself doing something, anything and make it happen!

Share the joy of how you feel AFTER you've done it. You know you will feel good after it's over.

 

[believe]

I think the best thing to do is not set the same expectations as what you did before. You may need to work back up to the 5 days a week thing. I pushed myself so hard that I burned myself out. I have now gone from "I have to get 4 miles in 6 days a week" to "I have to get atleast 2 miles in 4 days a week and on the 5th day I will do 5-6 miles". I am finding that by setting my goals here I exceed them most days, but don't feel the pressure that was unmotivating me.

Would you miss a meeting you had on your schedule? Exercise should be like a scheduled work meeting, you have to attend even when you don't feel like it

I think everyone goes through this. The key is to not stop 100%.

 

[ohMom]

i too have been there done that

for me, if i have a 'schedule' of some variety, usually i'll sign up for an event (5k, 10k, whatever your fitness level), print out the training schedule, mark which weeks are what to complete the training for the event date. then i just follow it, without debate. when i don't have a set schedule i flounder

some days i just have to make myself do it. and then i try to focus on how great i feel after it's done. b/c i always do

 

[getnthinr]

I have two words for you, Fitswimmer -- NEW TOY!

Seriously, I often bribe myself with a new toy -- maybe a new swimsuit for you, or a new really luxurious after-workout shower gel, or (in my case) $29 for a Nike+ sport kit for my iPod. It's not the expense of the new toy that will do it, by the way, it's the amount of appeal earning or using that toy holds for you. You will know better than I will what might motivate you. Frankly, I find it's often about "just doing it", but I like adding a little something to make just doing it a bit more fun when I can.

I agree that you will likely need to set baby-step goals to get yourself started -- and be sure to post your successes so you can get loads of positive feedback.

 

[fofinia]

All good advice. I just wanted to add. That when I need extra motivation. I remind myself as I'm lying down to bed. "Tomorrow I'm going to get up and do XXX." It really helps me to think about it the night before. And definitely set baby steps. And if you are feeling burned out once you start, just try to say- Ok you only have to do 5 more minutes. And if after 5 more, you can say only 5more until you really just can't go on. Something is better than nothing, when you are restarting.

You can do it!!

 

[Fitswimmer]

I have two words for you, Fitswimmer -- NEW TOY!

Seriously, I often bribe myself with a new toy -- maybe a new swimsuit for you, or a new really luxurious after-workout shower gel, or (in my case) $29 for a Nike+ sport kit for my iPod. It's not the expense of the new toy that will do it, by the way, it's the amount of appeal earning or using that toy holds for you. You will know better than I will what might motivate you. Frankly, I find it's often about "just doing it", but I like adding a little something to make just doing it a bit more fun when I can.

I agree that you will likely need to set baby-step goals to get yourself started -- and be sure to post your successes so you can get loads of positive feedback.

I tried that exact thing!! I bought that thing for the iPod and I used it for ONE week!!! I was all gung ho-and then I hurt my ankle and MD said "no treadmill". I go back to him today, so we'll see if he clears me to try again.

Now, I could be swimming, because there's no strain on my foot to do that-but I have not done it. The alarm goes off at 4:25 and I will get up, walk across the room and RESET it and go back to bed!!! I tried packing my bag the night before-actually I'm all gung ho the night before-it's getting past the impulse to turn off the alarm and go back to bed.

I'm really annoyed with myself and my lack of discipline.

 

[lustergirl]

Been there- did that!! I just went without exercising for a whole week because my knee was acting up- an old injury that comes and goes every once in awhile. But not I am back at it- full force. I think we all go through the difficult times sometime in our lives. It just takes one thing to discourage us from doing the right thing. Take it slow, baby steps, just get out and do something- you will feel alot better.