Have you ever taken the time to consider what gets you motivated, but also what it takes for you to stay motivated? You might notice that sometimes you feel engaged and driven to stay committed to accomplish a task while other times it becomes a struggle. Learning to examine your connection to motivation is so very important!
Motivation is defined as “the ability to initiate and persist at a task” (Taylor, 2009). Connected to sport and exercise, motivation is why you might be willing to get up at 5am for an early morning training session, even though you would rather be sleeping in. It’s why you might sign up for a marathon so that you commit to a training program. It’s working with a strength and conditioning coach so that you stay on track with training and peaking your performance. It’s committing to attending your rehabilitation sessions so that you can return to play. It’s sticking to a nutrient dense diet when you’d rather be eating unhealthy foods.
Understanding Your WHY
Being motivated by committing to your goals develops character, enhances self-efficacy, and provides feeling of competence! The truth is that it is all up to YOU to engage and stay engaged. This connects to understanding WHY you do what you do to stay motivated! The great thing is that your “WHY” is a unique part of who you are as an athlete or exerciser! Having that feeling of connection to your “WHY” creates the drive and energy you need to achieve your goals.
Intrinsic vs Extrinsic
When thinking about motivation it is important to recognize the difference between motivational factors. Intrinsic motivators refer to your feelings, emotions, satisfaction and competence related to completing your tasks. It’s feeling satisfied and proud after a workout, a competition, a race or completing a program! Extrinsic motivators include prize money, a t-shirt, a medal, applause from friends/family and likes or comments on social media posts. When receiving the praise associated with an external reward, it also results in feelings of competence or pride!
Get Comfy with Your Motivators
It’s important to analyze your motivators so that you’re aware of what drives you to stay committed. The beauty in this is that there’s no correct motivator you need in order to perform well! Awareness and understanding is the important part. Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators are connected to your “WHY”.
Patience is a Virtue
It can be extremely frustrating when you feel like you’re losing your connection or motivation. Some describe it as feeling stale, disconnected or even bored. Be aware of these feelings! Acknowledge them and evaluate why you might be experiencing them. Think about the stress in your life and if it is impacting your drive. Be patient with yourself as you reflect on what is helping you stay engaged and what is holding you back. Also, don’t be afraid to change the environment. Switching the time of day that you workout, the route that you usually run, your playlist, etc. might be all you need to get a jumpstart!
It’s Time to Grow!
Above all else, when you feel motivated and engaged working towards a goal you should feel empowered!! This is a pathway that is open for you to explore and grow!
Yours in health,
JoAnne
Reference:
Taylor, J. (2009). Sports: What motivates athletes? Retrieved November 1, 2020: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-prime/200910/sports-what-motivates-athletes%3famp
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