5 Strategies to Overcome a Lack of Motivation and Stay on Track

Motivation can be a powerful force that can drive us to take action. But I’ll be honest, relying solely on motivation to get where you want to be, to make a real change in your life, drop those pounds, and conquer your struggles, is a recipe for failure. Why? Because motivation is as unreliable as it gets. It’s here one minute, gone the next. We can’t build anything solid on such an unreliable foundation.

Strategies aim to provide you with the tools and tactics to stay on track and continue making progress even when motivation wanes

This is how it works: You join a 4-week challenge to get active before summer, you get super motivated, you give it all during 4 weeks and then… the challenge ends, you go on holiday, and, when you are back, the supportive network that got you motivated for a while is no longer there, days start getting shorter, darker and wetter, work starts getting busier and… you start telling yourself a million reasons why now is not the right time to get back on track so you go to your old habits until next year’s challenge when the cycle starts over again.

We’ve all been there. The cycle of getting motivated, giving it our all for a set period, and then slowly slipping back into old habits when the external support and favourable conditions fade away. It’s a familiar story, and it highlights the fact that real change doesn’t happen in isolated challenges or temporary bursts of motivation. It happens when we commit to making lasting lifestyle changes.

Break free from this cycle and create lasting habits

So, how can we break free from this cycle and create lasting habits? Here are a few strategies to consider that can help you navigate the times when motivation runs out. Rather than focusing on getting motivated, these strategies aim to provide you with the tools and tactics to stay on track and continue making progress even when motivation wanes.

1. Define your true desires: It’s time for some soul-searching. Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself if you genuinely want the things you claim to desire. Maybe it’s losing weight, quitting binge eating, or fitting into those clothes that have been mocking you from the back of your closet. But here’s the catch: excuses become the default mode when it’s time to take action so we can’t settle for surface-level desires. You need to dig deep and find the burning desire that will push you to make real changes.

2. Take action and execute: Desire alone won’t get us very far. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and take action. But here’s the thing: it’s not enough to consume these resources. You need to put them into practice. If you genuinely desire change, your actions should reflect it. Otherwise, it’s just wishful thinking.

3. Surround yourself with motivated individuals: The people you surround yourself with play a significant role in your motivation levels. Just as children can be influenced by their peers, so can adults. If you spend time with unmotivated and stagnant individuals, you will likely adopt their mindset. We’re in luck because there are communities out there filled with like-minded individuals who are striving for success, just like you and me. Seek out online or in-person communities that will inspire and uplift you. Surrounding ourselves with motivated individuals will create a powerful support system that keeps us moving forward.

4. Use resistance as a trigger for action: Feeling resistance or a lack of motivation? Don’t fret; it’s completely normal. In fact, resistance is a sign of growth, a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone, which is where all the magic happens. Let’s embrace the discomfort and use it as a trigger for action. Resistance should act as a trigger to do the very thing we’re resistant to. Overcoming resistance with deliberate action can be a game-changer in maintaining motivation.

5. Expect motivation to fluctuate: Motivation is not a constant state; it comes and goes so let’s be prepared. Do not be surprised when motivation leaves you temporarily. Instead, be prepared for it and develop strategies to counteract its absence. By implementing the previous principles you can create a solid foundation that can support you even when motivation wanes.

Conclusion

Remember, sustainable progress requires honesty, commitment, and deliberate action. Lasting change is not about temporary challenges or short-lived bursts of motivation. It’s about building habits and adopting a mindset that supports our goals even when external factors are less favourable. So, let’s move away from relying solely on motivation and embrace the strategies that will truly propel us toward the lasting transformation we desire. By incorporating these strategies into your journey, you can maintain momentum and achieve long-term success. Stay true to your desires and never settle for anything less than what you truly want.

Additional Resources

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If you are interested in improving your health and wellness, check out other resources such as Our Blog, Free Resources and/or join our private Body-Mind Transformation Secrets Community on Facebook, and The 360 Transformation Blueprint Podcast on Spotify and go on an even deeper dive with me to uncover how to succeed in your health and wellness goals.

You may also be interested in our Sleep Secrets Cheat Sheet. It is a great resource with strategies to fix and optimize your sleep which is crucial to succeeding in your health and wellness goals.