The Process of Change: BlogPost #5 – Staying Motivated

Lindie Nortje
Aug 19, 2022
2 min read

How do you stay motivated when you start your health journey? So many of us start our health journey so motivated and ready to take on the world. But as the process continues, it gets harder to stay motivated, barriers get in the way and we go back to our default, unhealthy choices. It is hard to stay motivated on our own, without support and accountability. That is why having a health coach as part of your health transformation is the key to pulling you through, the key to keeping you motivated.

Create a clear vision

Motivation is not constant, in work, health, exercise, and relationships, motivation is volatile and that is why it is so important to work on your vision first, if you create a “health vision” for yourself knowing exactly where you are going on your journey, a “health vision” which you are committed to that will pull you through when your motivation takes a dip.

Your “health vision” will help you to plan for those unexpected valleys when your motivation takes a dip. Planning every step of the way is vital to keep the motivation going. Having a plan to fall back on makes a big difference.

Take action

Taking action is sometimes the key to getting your motivation going again, motivation does not produce action it is the other way around… action produces motivation, and taking the first step can give you that push you need to get your motivation up again.

Reward Yourself

Rewarding yourself throughout your health journey is key to keeping your motivation going. I am not talking about rewards that hurt your health such as food or drink-related rewards. Do something that you enjoy, something that feels like a reward to you. Have some fun with a friend, read a book, go on an outing with your family, play with your dog, take on a new hobby, book a holiday, have your nails done… the possibilities are endless. How can you take the time to reward yourself today?

Be Kind to Yourself

Be kind to yourself through the process. We are only human and we are not perfect. There is so much going on and it is normal for us to drop the ball every once in a while. The key is to be kind to yourself, show yourself some compassion, and tell yourself that it is o.k. It is o.k. to fail sometimes, but it is important to get going again when you are ready. Keep your vision in mind, plan, take action and make time to do something that you enjoy, and you will be motivated to continue your health journey…

What will you do when your motivation dips, how do you get back up after an unexpected fall?