When my alarm goes off at 5:30am one of two thoughts runs through my mind. The first, “I’m so darn tired.” The second, “New day, new opportunities.” If it’s the former, getting myself up and out isn’t easy. Yet, over the past several months, I’ve found that if I employ a few steps, I have more motivation to get up and out…. and to make it throughout the day when frustrating situations arise. So today, I thought I would share my 6 steps, in case you’re in need of a little motivation boost!
1. New Work-Out Attire: It never fails for me. When I get a new piece of activewear, I’m always more motivated. Looking good and working out makes me feel kind of like a #girlboss. Don’t ask me why, it just does. That being said, I picked up a few new pieces from the Nordstrom Sale. My all time favorite leggings are on major sale, and I couldn’t pass up this cozy hooded wrap (perfect for post workout brunch…) and these new Nike kicks (which I fully intend to wear into the ground while I half marathon train). I also love this mesh tank (comes in navy + coral) and this open back tank (which comes in multiple color options). This cozy sweatshirt is a favorite and I fully plan on wearing it during my cold air conditioned evenings, as well as when it actually gets cold this fall. I love the brand Beyond Yoga, and these high waisted leggings are seriously so flattering, and the back of this sports bra is spot on.
{Outfit Details || Top: Zella (Nordstrom Sale Favorite) | Leggings: Zella (Favorite Leggings, Nordstrom Sale Steal) | Shoes: Nike (Nordstrom Sale, size up, and multiple colors) | Sunglasses: Le Specs}
2. Trying Out Something Different: When I just don’t feel like getting up and getting out in the mornings to tackle the day, I tell myself that I will try something new in the gym or throughout the day. So, if I was planning on doing the elliptical, maybe I change it up with a treadmill workout and some weights. I ended up doing that yesterday morning and felt challenged and invigorated (if you’re interested I included it below). Sometimes it’s about trying a new workout, other times it’s as simple as changing my hairstyle or moving a little out of my routine.
5 minutes: 4.0 speed/5 incline Warmup
2 minutes: 6.0 speed/.5 incline Jog
1 minute: 7.0 speed/.5 incline Sprint
2 minutes: 6.0 speed/.5 incline Jog
1 minute: 7.1 speed/.5 incline Jog
2 minutes: 6.0 speed/.5 incline Jog
1 minute: 7.2 speed/.5 incline Sprint
2 minutes: 6.2 speed/.5 incline Jog
1 minute: 7.3 speed/.5 incline Sprint
2 minutes: 6.2 speed/.5 incline Jog
1 minute: 7.4 speed/.5 incline Sprint
2 minutes: 6.2 speed/.5 incline Jog
1 minute: 7.5 speed/.5 incline Sprint
2 minutes: 6.2 speed/.5 incline Jog
1 minute: 7.8 speed/.5 incline Spring
2 minutes: 6.2 speed/.5 incline Jog
1 minute: 8.0 speed/.5 incline Sprint
2 minutes: 4.0 speed/.5 incline Cool-down
3. Try A New Food Product: Sometimes the thought of a new breakfast or snack gets me moving. I’ve found several new food items that I am loving right now. Trader Joe’s has these delicious beet chips that are a healthy alternative to the traditional option. I am also loving blessed-booch Kombucha… it is seriously some of the best I have had. I also recently tried out Daily Harvest Smoothies, which is a great new concept. The smoothies are delivered to you, prepackaged, and all you have to do is toss them in a blender and add your liquid of choice! My favorite flavors are Cacao + Avocado and Chocolate Blueberry. So. Good. So. Simple. No excuse for not having a healthy breakfast or snack.
4. Set A Goal: I think goal setting is one of the best ways to stay motivated. For me, my recent motivation has come from knowing that I have a half marathon in October. Knowing the feeling that I will have when I cross that finish line gets me motivated every morning for my workout. That’s the best part of setting a goal… often it’s the end feeling that will get you motivated on a daily basis. I also think about personal goals I have set for myself (i.e. meeting a benchmark with the blog, or even a relational goal) and when I get a little down that it is Sunday evening, I remember that the week ahead is another opportunity for me to get closer to attaining those goals.
5. Have A Mantra: Sometimes, when I get down or frustrated about goals I’ve set (read: I’m not getting there fast enough… I’m super impatient), I remember this quote I came across a few years ago: “Inhale confidence, exhale doubt.” I take a moment and literally inhale the confidence and exhale the doubt. I think a few words of motivation can be so powerful and placing them in a place that you see regularly is helpful… I like the bathroom mirror and refrigerator, but other places can be in the car or by a bedside table.
6. Find Something Positive: Lately, when I get frustrated that I haven’t met a goal, or if things are moving slower than I would like (i.e. post-pregnancy fitness goals, business goals, etc..) I look back at where I was three months ago and compare it to where I am now. Then I attempt to identify three ways I have made progress in that time frame. I’ve found that when I am able to take that macro perspective I’m able to focus on the day to day tasks, setbacks, and successes because I know they are all building blocks to where I am going.
