Motivation Tips for an Active Life

Today, a good friend who wants to be more active, asked me, “how do you stay motivated with training?”I responded with this reflection.

Five years ago, you would not have found me rising by 5:30am to get an early morning work out before going to work. I would do it later in the day and sometimes skip it because I was too tired after work. Now I do get up early and prioritize my workout that I regard as self care. Currently, almost everyday, I start my day with either a paddle on the beautiful San Francisco Bay, a trail run to the Pacific Ocean or set off to a class or circuit training at the gym, six times a week. Once I have tended to my self-care at the start of my day, then I can better serve others for the rest of the day.

Yes, there are mornings when I would rather stay in bed.  I do not let myself opt out, a no choice approach. No other option but to get up. I do not let myself have that conversation. I set the boundry for myself and tap into my discipline. I may initially feel sleepy but after a coffee, a smoothie and get moving, I am grateful that I made the effort and followed up with my commitment. I am reminded of how I love greeting the slowness and beauty of the morning.

Going for a paddle or a run outdoors are the easy options for me. I love being on the water and in nature where I am connected to things bigger than myself, such as being in awe of the Brown Pelican or Humpback Whale, both having just returned from a winter in Baja. A run down the valley to Tennessee Beach to the edge of the Pacific in the brisk air of morning with birds chirping is my idea of bliss. Breathing deeply, sweating and moving my body makes me feel alive and well. Simple things are the best.

Getting motivated for the gym is my biggest challenge. Indoors. Bad music. Televisions everywhere with either a sports channel featuring men’s sports or cable news. To counter this input, I cue up music to transition into a positive space and remind myself of my long term goals. Envision my dreams. Setting goals for training helps motivate me.  It could be an upcoming race, preparing for an expedition or just beating a personal best. Recent research has shown that consistency in training will benefit us in the long run. It is even better to do a shorter training session than to skip it entirely and think you will make up for it another day with a longer training session. The take away is to do something almost everyday and schedule recovery time as needed. Oh, and of course, have fun with it. That is my approach to fitness.

Years ago, even my worst mornings when I was in pain and getting out of bed was a challenge, I still made myself get up and move. I am living proof that , “If you don’t use it, you will lose it”. I have believed in this wisdom and found it is true. So, get up and move! Find a place of refuge nearby that you can take a walk if that is all you can do. Or swim. Water has been one of my go-to healing elements. A bath. A hot tub. A swim. Float. Take advantage of what neuroscience, evolutionary biology and medical research have discovered about water’s powerful affect on our “minds and souls” according to Wallace Nichols, author of “Blue Mind”. Open up to your “Blue Mind” and discover that it makes you “happier, more connected and better at what you do”.

My day begins with self care- a dose of nature and training. Now, I want to add writing to this morning ritual and discipline to dedicate more energy to this blog and develop my writing. My current life goals are to better serve others, meet people where they are at, and go forth with focused intention to affect positive outcomes and impact. For more on my story, visit About and Chronic Life.