03/17/2024
🎯 The Cycle of Starting and Stopping: Why Many Struggle to Maintain a Workout Routine! 🎯 Part I
Embarking on a fitness journey is often seen as a noble thing — a commitment to better health, improved physique, and overall well-being. Yet, despite the initial enthusiasm and determination, many individuals find themselves falling back into their old habits: they start working enthusiastically, only to gradually taper off and eventually return to their old habits.
The worst offenders are the new year resolutionists .... however, new year or mid-year... the Underlying big challenge is CHANGE.
One fundamental aspect to consider is the psychology behind behavior CHANGE Management. Starting a new workout regimen involves disrupting established habits and routines!
Even though you may possess a strong desire to change, the inertia of old habits will be highly challenging to overcome. Research in the field of psychology suggests that habits are deeply ingrained behavioral patterns, shaped by routines, and rewards. Attempting to Change these entrenched habits requires an immense effort and commitment.
As well, to make it even more difficult, there's evidence to suggest that the foundation for a lifelong commitment to fitness is often laid during childhood and adolescence. Individuals who are introduced to sports and physical activity at a young age, are more likely to integrate exercise into their daily lives as adults. This early exposure to physical activity fosters a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment in being active.
I want to highlight the above challenges and feel is important to do so. Do not be fooled - change is difficult - if you start a fitness journey, be prepared to sacrifice some of your lifestyle. Nothing is free, everything comes with a price!
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So lets point out the obvious, ... if You want to stick to a workout (or anything else) you must like doing it and be disciplined! That is the best base you can set. If you do not like what you do, you will lose interest very quickly despite all the good intentions. The second part is discipline! Prepare yourself mentally to start NOW and Never Stop again! Force Yourself to a plan (like SMART Goals).
But as well, keep the plan flexible - life happens and you will need to adjust from time to time.
So how can we make this happen? I like Bronwyn's stressing on SMART goals. SMART Goals give a guideline and fixes your milestones. Great to start the journey. Consider, at some point, you will calibrate in such a way that SMART Goals come naturally - and are engrained into your life.
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Alright, to realize and make a lifelong sporty healthy life happening, there must be some basics that need be filled - otherwise your success will be just temporary.
Then let's talk about the basics for a successful long-term sport:
The sport you choose must be something you can do on your own without a lot of equipment or a need of a partner.
You should be able to practice everywhere and anytime you want.
It should be something you can practice at any age.
It has to be something individuals can evolve forever. There should be no end to learning.
And it has to be something that motivates you - makes you want to do it.
I'd like to stop here and ask few questions:
- What sport did you Choose?
- What is your strategy to stick to it LONGTERM?
- Why did you decide to do what you do today?
- How do you see yourself evolving in that sport?
- How long do you think will you be doing this?
I will follow up with part II next week and give you options I like and worked for me.
Let me know your feedback to above questions.
