How to Sustain Focus and Motivation While Making Changes

Posted on March 01, 2018 by Allison Sweeney, One of Thousands of Health and Fitness Coaches on Noomii.

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”-Unknown

Well, that is something to chew on.  To me, it’s like being awake in the middle of the night.  I feel alone.  If I stew on that feeling while I am in it, well…than I am just in that feeling deeper.

Is that how it feels when you are trying to create change in your life?  I think it can, especially if you have been working on it for a while with little to no results.  Feel lonely no more!  Let’s put those feelings in the past…make use of this new hour and create a new plan.

Live Well
First of all, we can’t do anything to the best of our abilities if we are not living well.  You need to be on top of your game both mentally and physically.  Are you eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, getting fresh air, managing your time properly, engaging in hobbies, taking regular time off and planning non-work related activities?  Your mind is a muscle.  Strengthen it by reading, taking a class, and trying something new.

Focus on Realistic Goals
How can you preserver through those “stuck” feelings?  Spend time developing a list of realistic healthy goals to check off each day.  You should also create long-term goals as well (weekly, monthly, yearly) to keep yourself focused and working each day.  Seeing these goals written in front of you can help you stay focused and moving forward rather than spinning your wheels.  Write your life dreams – the big and small ones.  We all have them and they are exciting to work toward.  Furthermore, being able to check a few things off each day will show you your daily accomplishments.  A day’s successes should not be taken lightly.  Instead, use them as powerful proof of your day’s work.  Keep the goals and dream lists in your work area where you can see them.  Here are some examples:

Healthy examples of “I will” goals…
*walk around the block three times each day.
*make a healthy dinner for myself.
*read an article on my favorite hobby.

Avoid Slumps
Bad attitudes produce bad results.  So, let’s keep our minds positive.  Here are a few thoughts on how to do that.  No need to lay in bed or on that comfy couch.  Hop out of your pajamas and get dressed each day.  You may even take your “work” to the library or Starbucks once a week.  Doing this will train your mind that you are going to work each day because, well, you are!  Save the relaxing spaces of your home for just that…relaxing.  I’m sure you have heard the expression, “All work and no play.”  You must have fun too, so be sure to set specific break hours each day (lunch or exercise break) and days off each week.

Celebrate
I am talking about celebrating your daily goals because they are accomplishments.  No matter how big or little they may seem.  We all want to feel success.  That motivates us to keep trying and working hard.  Give that to yourself.  Celebrate and pat yourself on the back because that is investing in the person for whom you’re working for so hard.  Do it loud and proud!

Never give up on you.
You must be strategic, plan and continue to be determined in order to create change.