Mindset and motivation.

As a middle-aged man looking to get fit and healthy, having the right mindset and motivation is crucial for success. While it’s easy to start off with a burst of motivation, it’s often challenging to maintain that motivation over time. In this post, we’ll dig into the importance of mindset and motivation, as well as some strategies to help you stay motivated and on track.

Without the right attitude, fitness becomes an uphill struggle where you feel you are taking one step forward and two steps backwards. I know that’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s true.

The struggle with mindset and motivation

I’ve been struggling with motivation and the right mindset for a while now. It’s been partially brought on by a continuous knee injury that has stopped me from training how I want to. But also in part to a loss of rhythm.

Then over the last couple of weeks, I have had conversations with two middle-aged men about their lack of motivation and the lethargy they felt. Convincing themselves there was no point because it was too hard!

Mindset is everything when it comes to getting fit and healthy. If you approach your fitness journey with a negative mindset, you’re setting yourself up for failure. You are almost talking yourself out of success before you start.  Negative self-talk can be extremely detrimental to your progress, so it’s important to focus on positive self-talk instead – motivation. For example, instead of telling yourself that you’re not fit enough to run a mile, tell yourself that you’re capable of running a mile and that you’re on a mission towards that goal.

Better than that set your goal; as half a mile or a quarter of a mile, be realistic and set goals you can achieve. Once you do your quarter mile you might feel good enough to go to a half mile. That sounds like good progress and a hugely positive feeling – mission accomplished!

Another important aspect of mindset is setting realistic expectations. It’s great to have big goals, but if they’re not achievable, you’ll quickly become discouraged. Instead, set small, achievable goals that you can work towards. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem, and use them as motivation to keep going.

The pat on the back is mindset and motivation

Don’t be afraid to give yourself a pat on the back now and again!

It’s the ‘big decision’ that gets you started, but it’s the motivation and support that keeps you going when things get tough. Unfortunately, motivation can be elusive, and it’s easy to lose it when you’re faced with challenges or setbacks. One of the biggest psychological effects of having no motivation is that it can lead to a negative spiral of thoughts and behaviours. When you don’t feel motivated, you’re more likely to skip workouts or indulge in unhealthy habits, which can further erode your motivation.

So, how can you stay motivated? One strategy is to find a training partner. This could be a friend, family member, or even a personal trainer. Having someone to check in with and hold you accountable can be a powerful motivator. You don’t want to let your accountability partner down, so you’re more likely to stick to your commitments.

Another strategy is to focus on the benefits of your fitness journey. While the physical benefits of exercise are well-known, it’s important to also consider the mental and emotional benefits. I know I feel better mentally when I am exercising regularly, I feel good about myself and feel more in control. Everyone knows exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost confidence. By focusing on the positive impact that exercise is having on your overall well-being, you can stay motivated and committed to your goals.

There is a huge sense of achievement when you lose a couple of pounds or when you try on your trousers and they feel loose around your once-expanding waistline.

It feels good!

And to me, that is a massive part of staying fit, losing weight and living healthier.

It’s also important to mix things up to keep your workouts interesting and challenging. This could mean trying a new fitness class, exploring a new hiking trail, or even just changing up your routine. When you’re doing the same workout day after day, it can become monotonous and boring. Mixing things up can help you stay engaged and motivated.

You’ve seen the videos of the variety of workouts I do. I switch between boxing, weights, functional, cardio of all types, running and challenges. They all keep me interested and motivated – most of the time!

One of my favourite strategies is to record my workouts and my food. I plan my workout, usually the night before and keep a record of my calories and my weight daily. In fact, my wife and I have made my weigh-in in the morning a bit of a ritual, she’ll give me a drum roll and cheer me on. To be honest there hasn’t been much cheering recently as my weight has gone up.

But counting calories and checking your stats regularly means you have an active goal and a daily involvement. You are invested in your progress and are aware when things are not going to plan.

Finally, it’s important to be kind to yourself. Remember that progress takes time, and there will be setbacks along the way. Don’t beat yourself up over a missed workout or a less-than-healthy meal. Instead, focus on what you can do to get back on track. Setbacks are a natural part of any fitness journey, and it’s important to approach them with a positive mindset and a commitment to keep going.

The Conclusion to Mindset and Motivation Issues

In conclusion, mindset and motivation are critical for anyone looking to get fit and healthy, particularly for middle-aged men. Approaching your fitness journey with a positive mindset, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating your successes can help keep you motivated and on track. Finding an accountability partner, focusing on the benefits of exercise, mixing things up, and being kind to yourself can also help you stay motivated and committed to your goals. With the right mindset and motivation, you can achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health and well-being.