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P&S: Boredom or lack of motivation tackled with internal and external resources

By Cindy | September 7, 2008

Problem:  Lynn C of the Hungry Little Caterpillar, asks a second question on how to overcome boredom/lack of motivation.   Even when I’m doing well, I feel like I could do more, and when I’m not doing well, I feel like a failure. I’d really love some attitude work that works, you know?

&

Solution: Combat boredom or lack of motivation with an internal or external resource.

Dear Lynn,

First of all, attitude is you.  Decide to overcome boredom and lack of motivation and you will.  Without beating yourself up, You know yourself best and can find the perfect motivating resources to living a healthy lifestyle.

Many times we are our worst enemies.  We are very hard on ourselves.   Praise yourself.  You’re working really hard to be the best you can be.  That’s fantastic.

Focus on the positive things you’re doing for yourself as you would lavish praise on your little ones.  

Secondly, are you able to answer why you’re bored or lacking motivation?  Taking a day or two to reflect over your emotions, thoughts, and actions will help you define and win the battle.

Once armed with the root of the problem, start attacking it with a vengeance.  This may take some trial and error to find what works best for you.

Examples of Internal Resources:

• Positive visualization techniques doing and feeling the results of a healthy lifestyle.
• Mental pro & con list of sitting around or getting up and going.
• Assessment of feelings.  Why, how and what are they telling you?
• Affirmations.  Repeat and repeat what it is you want to achieve.
• Stop the Madness.  Most of us take on a ton of obligations.  Step back for a little bit and find your center. Re-energize and conquer the world later.

Examples of External Resources:

• A workout buddy or support person to call
• A picture of yourself, who you’d like to look like, where you’d like to go or what you want to do.
• List of written goals with rewards
• Workout DVD, Music, or any medium that get’s you moving.
• Stock the house with healthy food choices.  Avoid temptation to go out to eat.
• Read a motivational memoir or book
• Watch an inspiring movie

Ideally, we’d all be using a combination of these motivation techniques on a daily basis.  In reality, we set them up and forget them.  We only realize their absence when we fall into the pit of boredom/lack of motivation.  I’ll leave you with my latest Lack of Motivation example.

*     *     *     *     *

This past Saturday, I headed to the Y for a full body strength training workout since I missed a couple of sessions last week.  When I approached the child care room, I spotted the hours of operation—CLOSING IN 30 MINUTES?!!! NO WAY!  I opened the door, “Are these times right?”  The lady looked up and nodded, “Yes, but you can still get a quick workout.”  I was ready to take the kids, head home and sit on the couch.  My day was ruined.

I slowly shook my head, going through all the ways my day was ruined, when her voice came back to me, “I know it’s not an hour or so (they know me too well!), but I know you can work up a sweat.  We’ll love to watch Asher and Stephanie.  Go ahead.  You know you want to work out.”

She was right.  I did want to workout and I know that I can get a quality workout in less than 30 minutes.  “You’re right.  I will.”  At first, my thought was to go sit in the Cyber Cafe and have a cup of coffee and stew over how I wasn’t going to be active for the day, but because she was so convincing, I couldn’t go back to pick up the kids and not be sweating!

I jumped on the elliptical trainer and finished a high intensity interval training session that burned 291 calories and went a distance of 3 miles.  After every 40 seconds, I sprinted 20.  I got a full cardio workout in 15 minutes and was dripping in sweat.

The lady in the Nursery was my external motivation.  Without her urging, I would have skipped out on a perfectly good opportunity to get a workout in because it wasn’t what I was initially planning to do.

Your attitude is affected by your thoughts, emotions, and actions!  Face the boredom/lack of motivation head on and select an internal or external resource to jump start the process.  Be proud of what you’re doing to seek a healthier life. Pat yourself on the back and we’ll cheer you on from the blogosphere!

 Your Fellow Workout Mom,

 Cindy

P & S, One Problem & Solution, designed to deal with your questions about being a mom, balancing life, establishing priorities and everything health, fitness or nutrition related. Drop a question here or send them to c.a.posey (at) hotmail (dot) com. I look forward to helping you find the answers to those nagging questions!

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Topics: Motivation |