If you followed the steps in Step 1 and did all your preparations, getting started will be a little easier for you. After all, your workout is scheduled, you know what you're doing, you have what you need to do it and your body is fueled and ready to go. You're running out of excuses to skip this workout.
But, don't worry, that voice in your head will find some.
The thing is, most of us end up mentally wrestling with ourselves, wondering will we or won't we? It's this mental wrestling that sucks energy and focus away from something you already committed to do. There are a number of reasons you may try to talk yourself out of exercise, but I think the main issue is fear. Maybe you're afraid the workout won't go well. Maybe you're afraid you won't finish or that it will hurt. Whatever fears you have of the coming workout, that voice inside your head will take advantage of that and try to wheedle you into giving up by saying things like:
- You're tired…why don't you do this tomorrow when you're well-rested?
- You've worked so hard today, wouldn't it be nice to just go home and watch TV?
- You know the workout's going to suck…why even bother?
- You haven't even lost any weight - obviously this exercise thing isn't working
- Do you really need to spend time exercising when your sock drawer is in such chaos?
Know any other ones? If you're like me, you could probably make a nice long list of excuses to skip your workout and, though you may not be able to get rid of this voice entirely, knowing it's there and how to deal with it is crucial for making the right choice. Use these tricks for making it easier to get started with your workout:
Make up your mind. One way to silence the voice is to simply make up your mind that you're going to workout, no matter what. When you fully commit to what you're doing, it's easier to shut that voice down and just get moving.
Negotiate. Rather than go through the argument (will I or won't I?) commit to simply warming up. This tactic works well to motivate yourself on days when you feel tired - simply promise yourself you'll do a nice long warm up and if you still don't want to exercise, you can stop. I guarantee you'll keep going most of the time.
Bribe yourself. Another way to get yourself going is to promise yourself a little something for your hard work. Decide that if you complete your workout, you'll get to watch your favorite TV show, spend some time reading or start planning that weekend getaway you've been thinking about.
Figure out the worst thing that could happen. Ask yourself what is the worst thing that could happen if you go through with your workout. Failure? Feeling tired? Not finishing your workout? Being miserable? Remind yourself that the real worst thing is not trying at all.
Take action. When you're in a mental argument with yourself, do something active to get on the right track. If you're lying in bed trying to figure out if you'll get up and exercise or not, get up and put on your workout clothes or do some light stretching. Whatever you mind is doing, point your physical body in the direction of your workout and you may find you're on the right track to getting started.
Next: Step 3 - The Warm Up
