3 occasions motivation dips (and what to do about it)
I’m attempting one thing a bit totally different at the moment.
Over the previous 15 years of working with shoppers, I’ve discovered that success in health isn’t nearly understanding what to do… it’s about having methods for when issues inevitably get robust.
The place do habits often break down? Why does motivation fizzle out? And what can we truly do about it?
Behind the scenes, I’ve been constructing a “teaching toolkit” that maps this all out. (In it’s present type, there are 7 huge challenges, 22 underlying causes, and over 50 ways that I exploit with shoppers to assist them keep on monitor.)
Right now, I need to zoom in on only one a part of that toolkit: thrice motivation dips and learn how to reply.
I recorded a 15-minute video strolling via these concepts. You possibly can watch it on YouTube, or deal with it like a brief podcast when you’re driving, cooking, or folding laundry.
And in case you desire the quick-hit model, listed below are the highlights:
Dip #1: The Preliminary Push
For those who battle to get began with a health plan, or say to your self, “I simply can’t appear to get motivated”, that is for you.
Whereas this seems to be like a motivation drawback, it usually covers up a assets drawback.
For those who’re already tremendous confused, busy, and have a ton in your plate, it’s actually exhausting so as to add health on high of every part else.
Listed below are three ways to attempt:
- The Huge Why: Join your objectives to your core values by asking “why” change is vital to you a number of occasions. It received’t straight handle a assets drawback in and of itself, however it may be useful to fall again on when making choices about the place to focus your time and vitality.
- Temptation Bundling: Pair one thing difficult with one thing pleasing.
- Improve Your Bat Cave: Make small adjustments in your atmosphere to advertise your required conduct.
Dip #2: All-or-Nothing
For those who begin off actually robust, however battle to remain motivated lengthy sufficient, or say to your self, “I fell off the wagon and simply couldn’t get again on,” that is for you.
We frequently put quite a lot of strain on ourselves to do every part completely RIGHT NOW IMMEDIATELY. Add to that our tendency to place our blinders on and attempt to simply “push via”, and we set ourselves as much as repeat this sample over. And over. And over.
Listed below are two ways to attempt:
- Activate Dial Mode: There is no such thing as a “regular” day. So let’s plan for that!
- Set An Accumulation Purpose: Quite than construct an ideal streak, as a substitute concentrate on accumulating apply.
Dip #3: Ambiguous Outcomes
For those who’ve been constant for some time, however really feel such as you haven’t actually seen any huge adjustments but, it may be actually exhausting to remain motivated!
That is one motive why we’ve discovered with the ability to visualize your progress over time is so vital.
Listed below are two ways to attempt:
- Zoom In, Zoom Out: Laser in your day-to-day habits and exercises and gather information. Then, each 2-6 weeks, step again and consider your progress. This helps you keep away from the fixed comparisons, whereas nonetheless making course corrections on a well timed foundation.
- Development Stacking: Ask your self: what has the development of my exercises and habits regarded like during the last 4-6 weeks? If issues are stagnant, take into consideration one little adjustment you may make to get the ball rolling once more. That might appear like including a couple of reps to your workout routines, taking a stroll break through the day, or leveling as much as the subsequent Nerd Health Diet Leve!
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That’s the gist – however the the video digs deeper into the small print of every one.
I’d love to listen to from you: do you want this format? Extra whiteboard-style breakdowns of huge concepts you may come again to? Simply hit reply and let me know. –Matt
P.S. We’re hiring! We’re on the lookout for a advertising specialist to hitch our staff and work intently with me!
For those who’ve received the expertise and drive to assist us make a distinction within the health business, please try the hyperlink and think about making use of. ❤️