First off, sorry this blog has taken me a while to post. I just finished college so I’m still very good at procrastinating. Anyways, with this blog I will be simply describing some factors of motivation and how we can help keep ourselves motivated. This does not just relate to exercise. This should relate to other aspects of life.
I do understand the irony of procrastinating when creating a blog about motivation. I am human, and still have areas I need to work on. So, no calling me out!
MOTIVATION!!! When you think of motivation do you think of Bob from the biggest loser yelling at you? Someone pushing you too your bitter ends? Or maybe music, weight loss, weight gain, personal looks, or just mastering a subject. Whatever it is we do. There is an aspect of motivation involved.
To better understand motivation we need to break it down a little more. There are two main subgroups of motivation, Extrinsic and Intrinsic. Both of these subgroups have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to keeping us motivated.
Intrinsic Motivation can simply be known as the feel good factor. Have you ever been asked why you workout? Now there may be many answers, but was one of them “It makes me feel good.” This is an intrinsic factor associated with the action. As we build on our intrinsic factors we enter a zone known as Autonomy. Increased autonomy motives will result in increased actions of that behavior (Lewis and Sutton, 2011). This is simply saying that as we further experience that “feel good” feeling from exercise we are more likely to have it turn into a routine that we choose to do. This in turn will be more sustainable and a life long process.
Extrinsic Motivation is caused by the received outcome. This can be associated with rewards and disincentives. How many times have we heard about athletes who have problems finding a team who will pay their requested salary? Then they just cry all over Sport Center! Can you say, ANNOYING! I have millions of dollars, but I just want a couple million more, or I won't play the sport I love! This begins to pull away from Intrinsic and autonomy. For the love of the game! Just a random quote, but it has deep meaning that Extrinsic Motivation pulls us away from.
The reason I got into personal training and performance was because I wanted to help others. I get an amazing feeling when I see others push hard and reach their goals. This is my Intrinsic Motivation for what I do. With my job; money and pressure of maintaining are my Extrinsic Motivations. With life there are going to be many reasons why we choose to do what we do.
Take Away Points:
Find your Intrinsic Motivations! Build on them!
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivations are good for short term goals, but don’t let the Extrinsic factors take over.
Stop comparing yourself to others! Seeing your own results is going to be the best motivations you can get.
LOVE YOURSELF! YOU CAN DO IT! Push yourself and take pride in what you're doing. I don’t care if you start off just working out 5 minutes a day. You are taking the right steps! Keep going!
I know there are many more aspects of motivation. Just like almost anything, it can be broken down and explained more. I am not an expert in this field, so don't judge too much. Please post your opinions.
What keeps you motivated and why?
Thanks everyone for the support!
Tim Schultz
Fitness and Strength Coach
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Reference List:
Lewis M, Sutton A. Understanding Exercise Behaviour: Examining the Interaction of Exercise Motivation and Personality in Predicting Exercise Frequency. Journal Of Sport Behavior [serial online]. March 2011;34(1):82-97. Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed February 22, 2012.
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