back pain, physical therapy, goal setting, hiking

The Key To Combating a Slump in Motivation

When you’re in a slump, you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.
— Dr. Seuss

If you’re establishing a new habit or starting a new exercise program then it’s pretty likely that you’ll eventually run into a motivational low point. A point where you just feel like giving up, like it really doesn’t matter if you continue.

You can get into a slump and even thinking about making positive changes seems difficult.

But it’s not hopeless. I’m going to show you how to set one big, meaningful goal that will break you out of a slump and keep you moving for the long run.

Brainstorm a Goal

What areas of your health to you want to improve over the next 3 months?

Here are some I regularly hear from my clients to get you started.

  • Better mobility
  • More energy
  • Improved strength and endurance

Define your goal. Make it specific, measurable, and time bound. For example: I want increase my strength and endurance over the next 3 months to help prevent future episodes of low back pain.

Give the Goal Purpose

Why is this goal important to you? If you have a reason behind the goal, it’s 10x more powerful. Add “SO I CAN…” after the goal and then finish the sentence.

Example: I want to increase my strength and endurance over the next 3 months to help prevent future episodes of low back pain so I can go hiking and camping with my family. 

Imagine Reaching the Goal

What will it feel like to achieve this goal? What will life look like then? Add the words “and feel…” to you goal and finish the sentence.

Example: I want to increase my strength and endurance over the next 3 months to help prevent future episodes of low back pain so I can go hiking and camping with my family and feel confident that my back pain won’t be getting in the way.

MEASURE YOUR progress

Start with a measurement you can recheck every 2 weeks. For example this could be how long you can hold a plank with perfect form or how long it takes you to hike the certain trail.

Record the measurement under your goal with today’s date. Then set a reminder to recheck the measurement in 2 weeks.

Now You’ve set a big, meaningful goal. What’s next?

The ultimate secret is to just get started. You can plan and overthink your goals for months, years and maybe even your entire life, without actually taking action. If you’re already working with a physical therapist, personal trainer, or going to an exercise class, revisit your goal before each session to motivate you for your workout.

If you need help knowing what action to take, email me amy@momentumptmt.com and I’ll help get you started.

Combating a slump in motivation isn’t always easy. But having a clear and concrete meaningful goal can make it so much easier.

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