Overcoming the Urge to Quit: Resilience-Boosting Tactics for When the Going Gets Tough
Everyone goes through ups and downs in life, has days of little motivation and so on, it’s totally normal. And when you are trying to better your health and fitness habits, it can be really easy to give up when it gets too hard... or when you feel like your goal is far in sight. The good news is, there’s actually a lot you can do to help you keep going when you feel like giving up!
It’s all about your decisions. You probably feel a little defeated or frustrated, but with one positive decision you can take the first step toward changing your state. Here are a few suggestions.
REMEMBER WHY YOU STARTED. Take a moment to think back to when you decided to set a fitness goal for yourself. You probably felt super determined and energized by the challenge and the adventure ahead. Maybe it was to get stronger, fitter, take control of your health, win a prize.. whatever it may be, I bet you pictured what your life would look like once you reached your goal, right? The first steps you took towards that goal may have been quite simple, it’s the pushing through and carrying on that has become difficult. Going back to the beginning helps you focus on why you started in the first place, so take a deep breath and find that purpose and keep going. Not every day will be easy, some days you will feel stronger, some days weaker, but that is okay! Show up for yourself and crush it.
CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESSES, EVERY DAY, NO MATTER HOW SMALL. It’s so important to take note and celebrate all the small victories you’ve had in your journey so far. Try not to think about how much you still want to achieve, instead think about all the progress you’ve already made! Victories include anything from finishing your workout to holding a plank longer than you ever have. Make a list of all the small wins and celebrate them. When you see how far you’ve come, it’ll help motivate and excite you to keep pushing towards the finish line.
FIND SUPPORT FROM OTHERS. Remember you’re not alone, so don’t isolate yourself from others or bury your feelings. Try seeking support from others, you could reach out to family and friends or even the MK Fit Team, they’re such an amazing group of supportive women who are all going through a fitness journey as well. Finding other people who are in a similar situation to you will help you find strength and motivate you to get back on track. Head over to the MK Fit Team Facebook group to join the conversation… or contact me personally! We are in this together and I am here to support you any way possible.
UNDERSTAND THE REASON BEHIND WHY YOU WANT TO GIVE UP. When you want to quit, it can feel overwhelming and defeating. Ask yourself: Are you physically tired? Are you struggling for time? Have you stopped nourishing your body properly? Whatever the reason, take some time to find out what the real issues are and try to tackle them specifically. You can only address what’s causing your overwhelming feelings once you’ve worked out exactly what it is.
Be kind to yourself and adjust as necessary. If you need to adjust your training schedule, do so, then keep showing up for yourself. If you need to adjust the time of your workouts, adjust the weights, sets, reps, whatever it may be, adjust and keep going. Find the right support, practice self-affirmation and know your worth. Health is a journey, not a destination… you got this!
Xoxo, MK
