TIGER FIT!Nutrition, Moves & Motivation!

See it, Do it and Push on Through it!

We need to see it happen in our heads before we attempt reality. How does a dancer pick up moves? A pianist figure out how someone is playing? How do we do in Rome if we have never watched a Roman? Visualization plays a major role in making a goal become a reality.

If you are starting a new program, read up on it, decide if you can do it, and put it on your calendar. See yourself doing it, check it off when you finish and keep on reinforcing that you can follow through with the habit of something new. 

How do you stay focused and motivated?

Motivation is just as important as bathing. You can’t expect it to work if you only cheer yourself on the first couple times. If you tell yourself you hate running or you hate vegetables then I can see why you lose motivation! You are seeing your failure in advance! What if the person you love showed up every day telling you how much they despised you? How long would your good humor last when things got tough? Motivation is reinforcing what you appreciate and cutting out a lot of negativity. Focus on what you enjoy and find something that you like about what challenges you. A lot of the time, the move you hate is the one that is doing you the biggest favor.

Abs

What about distractions?

Making a promise to yourself that is unreasonable to keep is called a wish. If getting your 30 to 60 minutes a day in the morning is easier than the evening, train in the morning. If it works for you late at night, do it late night and so forth. Since I have traveled to over 20 countries, I know I would never have gone if I waited for perfect time, finances or partner. Commit to your personal time when it is most convenient for you and as it fits your commitments to others. Should anyone or any event challenge that, consider if this is an emergency, or if this is going to take you off course. It’s not a surprise if it always happens to you at that time. Plan for this!

What about relying on others for accountability?

We definitely need people in our lives who share our passion and inspire us. Some encourage our new habit, some feel threatened and some just don’t share the same commitment or availability. Whether your buddy or trainer shows up or not, you are still responsible for our own results. Learn to work out on your own. This is an advanced concept for some and that’s okay. You can adjust your workout. Stop trying to make up yesterday or last week. Just put on your music, have your plan in hand and get to work! You’ll be ready for your partner or trainer without missing a beat.

Cheer for yourself. For example, I applaud when I finish my run. When I finally seize the squat rack, I commit to three or four moves and superset each with balance or accelerated cardio.  Even as delirious as I feel, I remember my set reps and how strong I am becoming. I shake it out and just go for it! I visualize a strong future me. See it, do it and push through it!