Motivation is a fickle thing.  It comes and goes, waxes and wanes.  One day you have it and then suddenly, you don’t.   The key to being successful in reaching your goals, whether it be to run a marathon, lose 20 pounds or eat better is to maximize the time when you are “on” and learn to minimize the damage and push through when you are off course.

Here are a few tips to help you get out of your rut and back on the track to success!

Have A “Plan B”

When you are in the zone all is good.   Having a backup plan is necessary when you suddenly can’t do the things you normally do without thought.   There are some days when the very last thing I want to do is go for a run so my “Plan B” is the gym.  I bring a few magazines that I don’t normally have time to read, grab my iPod shuffle and hit the elliptical.

If you are having a problem with sticking with healthy eating, make your “Plan B” a trip to Whole Foods or the Farmer’s Market.  Splurge on some delicious artisan cheese or some heirloom tomatoes.  It will help you appreciate how delicious healthy eating can be!

Use the Internet

If you are active on Facebook, have a blog or frequent the Biggest Loser message board, take advantage of these tools.   At any given time, people either need support or are in a position to support others.  Posting that you are having a motivational lag will bring you a remarkable amount of pick-me ups.  Be sure to check back with these sites when you are feeling strong so you can pay it forward.

Retail Therapy

As much as my husband disagrees, sometimes you just need a new pair of running shorts or a cute tank top to re-ignite your motivational fire.

Ask for Help

Let’s just talk about the elephant in the room.  We like to think we can handle it all.   The pressure to be able to “do it all” is tremendous.  Chair the school bake sale?  Sure.  Team Mom for all sports?  You can count on me.  Look like an extra from “The Real Housewives of Orange County”?  No problemo.

What happens when we are feeling overwhelmed with our daily to-do list, exercise is normally the first thing to drop off.   The key is to move exercise to the top of the list and ask for help on the other stuff or learn to say “No”.

Find a Buddy

Friends make exercise more fun.  Plan a walk during your lunch hour, after school drop off, during the kids’ soccer practice.  Meet for an early morning run, take a spin class or attend a fitness class together.  I run 3 or 4 times a week with a few girlfriends at 5:30am.  Now that sounds like an ungodly hour to most everyone, but it’s the only time we can all get together and it guarantees we’re hitting our mileage.

So the next time your motivation sinks into the toilet, try out a few of these tips!

Now go run!

Keli 🙂