7 Motivation Hacks You’ve Never Heard of that Actually Work
Hey guys!
I have to tell you something. My motivation has been running away from me lately. I don’t know what’s up, but I’m finding it hard to wake up early for my morning workouts (in fact I missed like 3 of them this past week). I’m eating foods that I normally don’t because I have this “don’t care” attitude right now. So I’m writing this blog post for both of us.
Let’s snap out of this funk, shall we?
#1. Coax yourself with a less intense workout
I love working out (obviously), but you know what? Sometimes I just DON’T WANT TO!
Get me that Netflix, give me those Trader Joe’s plantain chips with guac, and get those gym shoes away from me…you what I mean!?
But instead of completely skipping my workout or shoving myself out the door and dreading the gym, the best solution I’ve found is to just PICK ANOTHER WORKOUT! If weight lifting or HIIT sounds too intense, I’ll sign up to take a slower paced class like hot yoga or pilates reformer. That way I don’t feel as intimidated. Working out then feels like a treat again. Not a chore.
#2. Change it up
If your workout plan is boring you to death, completely switch it up! There is nothing wrong with you for getting tired of something. That is totally normal and totally human.What you need is NEWNESS.
Try a new eating plan (yay for buying new ingredients and trying new recipes!) or buy yourself a new workout outfit! If that’s not enough, then like I said above, pick a totally new workout.
If there’s been a workout you’ve been super curious about, now is the time to jump in and try it! I love taking classes on ClassPass because I get to pick a workout (like how I’d pick a dish on a menu) and then I await my surprise! It’s fun. Sometimes they’re amazing and sometimes they’re horrendous, but that’s the fun of working out in 2019. You’ve got SO MANY CHOICES. SO stop with the excuses!
#3. Get up and have a glass of water
Ever just sit there thinking about the stuff you’ve got to do but you don’t actually get up and do it? Next time that happens, just stand up and do this.
Get up and have a glass of water.
Why?
First, drinking water will help you feel less sluggish. It’s a simple thing, and it’s not an unpleasant thing to do. Plus it gets you into the “doing” mode, and out of “thinking” mode.
So, get up and get out of your head!
#4. Have a motivation helpline
I bet you a million bucks your friends are in the same “motivation rut” as you, in some way.
Create a group chat dedicated to supporting each other when motivation is nowhere to be found.
You are not alone in how you feel. Don’t ever think that everyone else in the world is doing great while you struggle. I promise you, almost everyone out there is fighting against some form of unmotivated feelings.
You’re doing amazing. Give your friends the chance to remind you of that!
#5. Write a fool-proof list of “why”
Let me ask you something…why are you pushing yourself toward being more motivated?
Kind of a tough question, huh?
This was me a while ago: “I’m going to the gym because I’m not happy with my body”.
Eek. That hurt. That’s a hurtful “why”! So I changed those thoughts! Now it’s: “I’m going to the gym because it makes me feel strong and energized”.
Write down your “why” and make sure it’s kind, motivating and inspiring!
#6. Leave today behind…but use it to fuel tomorrow
Some days are just kinda…meh, and we should accept it! It’s ok. Just do what you can to get through it and look toward tomorrow.
It’s all good. It doesn’t mean that your entire week is ruined or that your motivation is gone forever! It’s just the down in the ups and downs of life. It’s TOTALLY NORMAL.
Just something to think about. Productivity doesn’t always mean a day of rushing around at 100% speed all day…productivity can mean resting too. Rest is equally as important.
#7. Tackle the immediate stuff first
Anyone else have a habit of running toward the big goals without actually dealing with the little things which need to be done? SAME!
Here’s what to do:
- Write down all those small tasks which have to be done
- Tick off the ones you can complete now
- Smile! You achieved stuff…yay!
21 thoughts on “7 Motivation Hacks You’ve Never Heard of that Actually Work”
There are 21 comments posted by our users.
Thanks for the reminder, Cassey! I didn’t workout for the past 3 days for various reasons. But now, looking back, I feel like they’re not good enough reasons. Also, I notice that it’s more difficult to do workouts after taking a break, even for just 3 days. Need to keep reminding myself of my positive “why’s” more often.
Really great list! I use classpass too when I’m in a rut, it’s great to mix things up every once in a while. Hugs
Wonderful hacks these are! Amazing post and very helpful.
Thank you very much for this charge of motivation! I really hope you continue to make this type of content!
Thank you so much for sharing this and being so honest! I love knowing that I’m not the only one who struggles with motivation from time to time. And thank you for the helpful tips when the motivation is missing to get it back and the encouragement!
I absolutely adore this article. Being that I am 100% motivated constantly it definitely starts to catch up with me, and I slow down. This reminds me to move forward, rest, but never quit!
100% accurate and try and tested!
How can I save this post forever so I have it on hand when I need it?
So accurate!! This helped me a lot! Muchas muchas gracias Cass!!
I love how darling this list was! Super relatable, super practical, super down-to-earth and yet so self-compassionate when it comes to Ward’s things like this. I honestly feel like we could be sisters, Cassie.
as always ,in the right time ..mucho gracias mi amigaa
Thank you for sharing this. And yes! Rest is essential for our body it is also the way to heal the body and to rest the mind. Try meditating after any workout or yoga. I always do meditation with my PEMF therapy mat it helps to reduces stress and fatigue, improves circulation and cardiovascular function and more!
I’ve been meditating and doing yoga daily and it’s incredibly how t helps rewire the brain to prime yourself TO be more motivated for other things you know?:)^^
Thank you so much. I don’t understand how to keep going to the gym and make it a habit. I quit every time. I don’t understand how people do it. Only if someone goes with me I can control myself. But when my friend has a business trip or something I just find an excuse and stay home.
These are all great – especially the Get up and have a glass of water idea! Brilliantly simple and effective.
Hello Cassey!
Thanks so much for this post! It is encouraging to read that even you are struggeling with motivation lows. Its totally natural, as you point out last, we sometimes just need to fuel for a day pr two and then get back on track twice as energetic!
A friend and me we have a fitness date every week, so we meet up and do your workouts for an hour. If one isnt that motivated, we usually get motivated by the fact that we can meet at least.
I would like to invite you if you come to Europe anytime 2020, to work out together. Maybe the historically enchanting island of Malta can tempt you. 😉
Narak! See you soon! Bis bald!
Lena
Thank you for bringing this motivation! You can also try using this PEMF Therapy mat to heal your mind and body you can sleep with it and relax so you can have a fresh start tomorrow for your workout.
Thanks Cassey this is exactly what I needed today! I love that you share what your going through with the rest of us.
Love it
This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you Cassey!
I have heard of these. Maybe you read them in my book?