Motivation

[CosmicMatt]

What keeps, or gets you motivated?

We could be talking about numerous subjects here from getting out of bed in the morning, going into work or in my case to get and keep fit.

I go through phases where I believe I could do with being stronger or fitter and tend to do a lot of strength work or go running, etc.

I've even got to a stage where physically I looked strong and could run ten mile no sweat.

Now I'm back to square one because I stopped - how do you get to a level and stay there? Or step up to a new one?

I'd planned on going for a two mile jog tonight but its pissing it down, so I'll probably watch TV instead...

[Simpo Two]

Hunger and a full bladder work for me.

[mercemployee]

CosmicMatt said:

What keeps, or gets you motivated?

Work that one out and you'll be a very rich man.

[dangerousB]

Enter a triathlon or half/full marathon at this time of the year for May - August the following year. Alternatively, enter 4 or 5.
Believe me, you'll not shirk when you know you've got to compete in 6 months time. Especially if it's an event that's going to push you or you've got a marginally achievable PB to beat.
Works for me

[ewenm]

Goals - short, medium and long term goals that are measurable, ambitious and yet achievable.

For example, my current goals are:
Short term: Train for and perform adequately in the cross country race I'm doing on 15th November.
Medium term: Perform well in my marathon debut next spring.
Long term: Qualify for the 2010 European athletics championships.

I struggle to motivate myself if I don't have goals to work towards. In the above examples defining what constitutes an acceptable performance is the key. The goals have to be measurable so that I can assess a performance and know what steps to take to achieve the next goal.

[_James_]

dangerousB said:

Enter a triathlon or half/full marathon at this time of the year for May - August the following year. Alternatively, enter 4 or 5.
Believe me, you'll not shirk when you know you've got to compete in 6 months time. Especially if it's an event that's going to push you or you've got a marginally achievable PB to beat.
Works for me

... and what could be better than a half marathon around Silverstone?* April next year I think.

(* a half marathon around Silverstone with Suzi Perry starting the race by stripping off and shouting 'chase me'. Obviously)

[okgo]

I wish I knew.

Its not money apparently, as I have no desire to work myself to the bone and I am commision only almost... I don't know what it is.. The thing is I thought it was money but I am now starting to think i was not..

I think that what my parents said about me, "do enough to get by" is starting to ring true

[gib6933]

I was having this exact conversation with my friend on Tuesday how strange!
I used to bike 50-60 miles a week and walk a lot, ok i was not fit but every little helps and i did feel better for it. But lately i have done sod all i want to go out but when the time comes i cant be arsed.

Didn't come up with an answer

[RJB_666]

All you need to do is watch Rocky, if i ever get fed up of going down the gym i'll stick it on. Can never get myself out of the gym after though.

[carerra g tea]

Most people chase money because they think it brings happiness. Chase happiness. The money will follow, but if not, you will still be happy.

[CosmicMatt]

carerra g tea said:

Most people chase money because they think it brings happiness. Chase happiness. The money will follow, but if not, you will still be happy.

Its true; for me however happiness would be as follows...

Good Health for me and the family
Good friends
Good relationship
House
Cars - fun times, its what I live for
and to enjoy work (which I do!)
To purchase material things which we can enjoy
Visit nice places

To make the dreams a reality, money is needed unfortunately.

Motivation wise though, I mean to just get fit and when there continue. How do you do it?

I like the thought of setting challenges. That's what I did previously and worked until I'd reached the 'goal'. Problem being when that challenge is over I went into freefall again.

[ewenm]

CosmicMatt said:

I like the thought of setting challenges. That's what I did previously and worked until I'd reached the 'goal'. Problem being when that challenge is over I went into freefall again.

Hence needing short, medium and long term goals, with the short and medium term ones being reset every so often. I find joining a club or team helps too - having others that are expecting you to contribute to a team performance is a good motivator.

[CosmicMatt]

ewenm said:

CosmicMatt said:

I like the thought of setting challenges. That's what I did previously and worked until I'd reached the 'goal'. Problem being when that challenge is over I went into freefall again.

Hence needing short, medium and long term goals, with the short and medium term ones being reset every so often. I find joining a club or team helps too - having others that are expecting you to contribute to a team performance is a good motivator.

I agree. I find it difficult, socially though, to join new groups/teams of people I don't know - which puts me back to square one!