How can I get motivated?

[Keepgoing88]

I’ve massively gone off exercise, drinking too much (not loads but just more than I used to) and just want to know how I can get the motivation to cut back on the booze and get into exercise again. I’m not over weight just a bit out of shape. I used to run loads and go to the gym but I just don’t have the motivation.. although when I do run I feel better after. Just feel a bit stuck in a rut! Food wise I’m not too bad. Drinking wise though , I used to only drink at weekend and now I pretty much have a glass of wine every night, which although not the worst I do feel I should try not too!
any advice much appreciated!! I’m think of just trying to force myself to go on a run!!

What motivates you to do other things? Are you someone that does well in a support group, or do you prefer to go it alone? It sounds like you’re not enjoying exercise when you do it, so it might be worth experimenting with a few new things.
I love measurable progress and control , so things like steadily increasing running distance and Pilates and body pump work for me, but if you like being more sociable then something team based may be better

Discipline. I have to approach it in the same way I do other things I don't want to, but have to. It's on the To do list, it's not negotiable.
I also don't want to clean the bathroom and the same rules apply.

left to my own devices I would lie in the sofa all day reading and eating biscuits 😆. I have to have a strategy to get out the door, once I'm there I know I'll feel better.

The motivation comes by "doing". So you just need to force yourself and the idea that you need to feel motivated to start kind of dissapears.

Decide what you're going to do...a youtube workout, a walk/run...count down from 10 and then crack on. I'm about to do the same, get off the sofa and straight into a workout.

Also think about where you want to be in 6 months or a year. It's almost a case of 'choose your hard' - do it now or face the regret next year of being in exactly the same place as you are now.

Motivation builds and slumps but self discipline can carry you through.

Or say to yourself something like I'll go to the gym for 20 minutes and leave if I'm not enjoying it? I would wager that you stay and complete your workout. You know from experience that you'll feel better afterwards.

Would I rather have got up and gone to the gym this morning or sat in bed with coffee and the Sunday papers? I went to the gym - kit ready last night - and feel great now.
Actually it was easy this morning as back from holiday and gagging for some peaceful alone time at the gym!

I was reading a blog by some personal trainer recently and she said the motivation never comes, you just have to get on and do it.

Find a podcast you like and listen to it. It's the only way I can clean, still working on the exercise!

Find the thing you love. I never used to be motivated, now I am super motivated, excited for every session. For me it was lifting, for you it might be something else. For me that shift in my mindset was huge.

If you used to do a bit of running then I would recommend a coaching App. I've tried Garmin Coach (if you have a Garmin) or the Runna app.
I found both really helpful for instilling the discipline of getting out the door. As others have said you can't wait for motivation it's all about creating a habit.