Table of contents
Introduction
Have you ever started a new fitness routine or diet feeling totally pumped, only to lose that motivation a few weeks in? You’re not alone, we’ve all been there! The truth is, motivation isn’t always reliable. It comes and goes, and if you’re depending on it to keep you going, you might find yourself stuck in the same cycle. That’s why building the right mindset is key to reaching your fitness goals. In this post, we’ll talk about how to build a mindset that keeps you motivated every day and how to make fitness a lasting part of your lifestyle instead of just another short-lived phase.
1. Set Goals That Actually Work
Most people set goals that are way too vague, like “I want to get fit” or “I want to lose weight.” The problem? These goals don’t give you a clear target to aim for, making it easy to lose focus and motivation. Instead, try setting specific, detailed goals that paint a clear picture of what you’re working toward. For example, “I want to lose 10 lbs in three months” or “I’m going to hit the gym four times a week for the next three months.” The more specific, the better. Not only do these goals keep you accountable, but they also give you small wins to celebrate along the way, making the journey much more rewarding. This is how to build a mindset that keeps you motivated every day.
How to Set Achievable Fitness Goals – Tips on setting fitness-specific goals and staying accountable.
2. Ditch The ‘Motivation’ Mindset
Like I mentioned earlier, motivation isn’t always there when you need it. That’s why relying on it alone to reach your goals is a mistake. A much stronger mindset to adopt is discipline. Even the fittest people in the world aren’t motivated every single day. Just like you and me, they have days where they don’t feel like going to the gym or sticking to their routine. The difference? They do it anyway because they’ve built discipline. The key is to create a routine and commit to it—no excuses, no second-guessing. Show up for yourself, even on the days you don’t feel like it! This is another good example of how to build a mindset that keeps you motivated every day.
- Think about your workouts like appointments, not negotiable!
- Get all of your stuff ready the day before, this gets rid of a barrier that may stop you.
- Remember that even a small workout is better than none, get into the gym and start. If you still don’t feel like it then you can leave.
The Power of Discipline Over Motivation – How focusing on discipline instead of motivation leads to better results in the long run.
3. Use A Little Trick Called ‘Habit Stacking’
Habit stacking is all about making new habits easier by attaching them to something you already do without thinking. For example, after brushing your teeth, do 10 squats. While you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, squeeze in a quick stretch. Or, while walking on the treadmill at the gym, catch up on your favorite Netflix series. These might seem like small things, but when you do them consistently, they add up to big changes over time. The best part? You’re not adding extra work to your day—just making the most of the moments you already have. Building habits is integral to how to build a mindset that keeps you motivated every day.
Habit Stacking for Fitness Success – A guide on using habit stacking to achieve fitness goals.
Other Helpful Posts
4. Find your real ‘why’
This might just be the most important part of the equation: finding your “why.” This is the driving force that will keep you going, even when motivation is nowhere to be found. Every time you think about your “why,” it’ll give you a boost and help you push through those tough moments. It’s the reason behind your actions that keeps you focused on the bigger picture. And when I talk about your “why,” I’m not just talking about wanting a six-pack or biceps the size of your head. I’m talking about the deeper reason for wanting to become the person you envision. For example, do you want more energy to keep up with your kids? Do you want to feel more confident in your own skin? Or maybe you’re looking to improve your mental health and reduce stress. Whatever your “why” is, having it clearly defined will help keep you on track, no matter the challenges you face.
The Power of Purpose: How to Find Your ‘Why’ in Fitness – A blog post about identifying your true motivation behind fitness and how it shapes your routine.
5. Surround your self with positivity
Scrolling through social media and comparing yourself to others is not going to help you stay on track, it’ll only lead to setting unrealistic goals. Remember, the people you see on social media often edit their photos heavily. They use things like Photoshop, perfect lighting, and filters to make themselves look a certain way. It’s not the full picture, and it’s not realistic. Instead, focus on following people who genuinely help you work toward your goals—those who share helpful tips and inspire you without making you feel less than amazing. Joining a community that shares your goals can also make a huge difference. Whether it’s an online group, a gym class, or simply a workout buddy, having support can make all the difference in staying motivated and accountable. Surrounding yourself with positivity is key in how to build a mindset that keeps you motivated every day.
Why Support and Community Matter in Your Fitness Journey – A blog discussing how being part of a fitness community can help you stay motivated and focused.
6. Track Progress (Without the Obsession)
Tracking your progress is one of the best ways to stay on course, helping you feel like you’re moving in the right direction while staying motivated and disciplined. When you can look back and see what you’ve already achieved, it reminds you that no goal is too big or too small. The more you track, the more you can celebrate along the way. For example:
- Hitting a new personal best (PB).
- Feeling more energized throughout the day thanks to your workouts and better eating habits.
- Trying on your old clothes and seeing how much progress you’ve made.
Another important mindset to adopt is to focus on how you feel, rather than just how you look. When you focus on how you feel—more energised, stronger, healthier, it keeps things positive and prevents the comparison trap that can sometimes make fitness feel toxic. Celebrate those wins, both big and small!
7. Stop overthinking and just start!
If you’re waiting for the perfect time to start your journey, stop right now! There will never be a “perfect” moment. The sooner you start, the better. You won’t be a pro when you first begin, and you might even feel a bit out of place—but that’s part of the fun and growth. Embrace the learning curve, because once you push through it, you’ll look back and feel proud of the person you’ve become. The only way you can fail is if you quit, so keep going! Every step forward is progress, and that’s how to build a mindset that keeps you motivated every day.
The Importance of Tracking Fitness Progress Beyond the Scale – Learn how to track your fitness progress without obsessing over the number on the scale.
Conclusion
Your journey into the health and fitness world is all yours, and the key to making it stick is all in your mindset. Make it fun, don’t overstretch yourself and remember it’s about progress and not perfection! Learning how to build a mindset that keeps you motivated every day is essential.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
Ethan Danielles
03/02/2025