Motivation

As I sit here on my comfortable couch with my laptop entertaining me and some nonsense on the big TV in the background, I ponder the concept of motivation. The motivation to get up, get out, and run when you just don't want to. The motivation to take the next step to a better, healthier body. The motivation to a more fulfilling life.

The Catch

As with anything good in life, there is a catch. Motivation will drive the great to be the greatest, the content to be the ecstatic, and can really help anyone improve. Sounds good, doesn't it? Well, we all know it isn't that easy. Many things will get in the way of our will to be better. Motivate, for all it's power, is so easily defeated by excuses of a long day at work, less than perfect temperature, and even our beloved couch.

The Cure

While I'm no expert, I have found a few ways to help inspire and combat the normal excuses that I sometimes face.

Too Tired: Often people say that they had a long day at work and that they're tired. They think that they won't feel good when they get out there. The solution: tell yourself you will just do 5 minutes and if you are still tired you can head back in. This is effective, since a few minutes of exercise will start invigorating you and you should be able to do your full run.

A Tad Chilly: Wow, look at that drizzle out there? Or is it too cold? Perhaps it's 0.34 degrees off from your preferred temperature. Well, if you are competitive in nature, think of it this way. All those other normal people who are too weak to go out are inside getting less fit. But you are a champ and will be out there pounding the pavement and gaining an edge in all of them! Snow you say? Sweet! I'll be surpassing even more peeps!

Just Feelin' Lazy: Alright, some times it's just a deep, down laziness that gets us. How to combat this? Well, it's harder. But the best way is to start thinking of why you're running. Whether it be for a great body, improved health, and to bet a PB, you need to focus on that. Close your eyes and see yourself in 6 months. Picture how much further ahead you will be for pushing yourself forward. If you don't, it's a downward spiral to the opposite. No one wants that. Now turn the TV off, get off the couch, and "run for the hills"!

I hope these help you get a bit more motivated. If not, I'll be getting ahead of you... :)

Click - TV off and sneakers on.