Hey champ,
I wanna chat to you about motivation.
See, at this time of year, I start to get a lot of questions about how I stay motivated.
Questions like this one, from Jenna:
“Turia, it’s happening again. A few weeks ago, I decided to start training for a half marathon. I was enjoying training, but now motivation seems to have left me. This always happens to me – I just can’t ever seem to stay motivated! How did you stay motivated to train for Ironman and do you think some people are just “naturally motivated?”
This is a topic that gets me really fired up, because I think are a lot of misconceptions about motivation floating around out there.
I want to clear some of those up.
So, if you’re feeling a bit like Jenna, a bit unmotivated, today’s video is for you!
Watch it below:
Now, over to you, I’d love to know if you’ve ever used consistency as a way to punch through low motivation, or if you’ve ever felt like you were missing that ‘naturally motivated’ gene?
Let me know in the comments below.
Turia xx
PS – Know someone feeling unmotivated? Be a champ and share this blog with them, would you?
PPS – Got a question you’d like me to answer in one of my newsletters or blogs? Email me – I’d love to share my thoughts with you!
I always start motivated but working an early shift 5 days a week getting out of bed at 4.15 am for work When I get home at 3.30 pm I have lost my mo again weekends are great for exercising but need to get into it in the week too as now in my early 50,s hard to loose weight everything slowing down so I need motivation ?
Seriously! this is what I tell myself everyday in order to motivate myself to go to work. “i Can’t do my work if I don’t show up!” and often my days are mediocre or downright crappy but I feel that sometimes I am making a difference to my students.
(Secondary Art Teacher/Year 9 Advisor) thanks for reminding me I’m not alone Turia!
Awesome video. Just what I needed to hear. You’re so right with what you’re saying but it’s so easy for people to forget the common sense theme. Thank you x
Hi Turia, I watched your clip with interest as I have just recently started exercising for the first time in my life. I have joined a women’s training group and some classes I attend are at 5:45am … I like listening to you as to how you stay motivated re. consistency. I average 5 classes a week (which is coming a long way from zero!) but on those mornings that I don’t get out of bed I always tell myself “imagine how good you will feel AFTER the class” and that gets me going … if I ever think about the class itself and the actual workout then forget it!!! I would probably just turn of the alarm clock, roll over and snooze for another hour! I have just started but as the warmer weather dwindles and I lose my motivation then I will definitely try your “consistency” approach.
Thanks so much Turia
Regards
Claudia x
Love this Claudia!
Hi Turia,
I had this exact conversation this morning with my trainer. I’d missed 2 boot camp classes I usually attend at 6am just because I was too tired. Stupid thing is I set the alarm and stay awake with gym guilt anyway so I know I may as well go. Think I’ll put my mobile phone on the other side of the room so make me get up. He was all about ‘just show up’ and the rest will follow.
Thanks mate. Good advise.
He’s on the money. You’ve just gotta show up!
I love this!
Consistency is key. JUST GET UP AND DO IT!!
motivation left me a long time ago. I’ve wanted the same dream goal for along time!!!
It’s time to act to move to do it!!
I’ve been sitting procrastinating!!!
Dedication to what I want belief for what I want. Being consistent in what I want!! It’s taken yrs to overcome the doubt in what I want!
Thank you. Your books are awesome
Your school of champion’s is what I needed to push me to convert my dreams/ now goals to succeed
This is exactly what I needed to hear right now! I lack serious motivation in general. A psychologist I used to see once said to me ‘action before motivation’.. Meaning motivation comes from getting up and pushing yourself to get stuff done. Once you get one job ticked off your list for the day, you’re likely to look for something else to do. If you sit around waiting for motivation to hit you, you’ll be waiting a long time!
Spot on Hannah! Love that.
I believe you do have to push yourself and it’s the results that motivates to be be consistent or repetition. Results in your body and mind really make it worth it. In the meantime feeling like I lake purpose is my greatest challenge. I beat myself up mentally a lot.
My friend had a heart attack at 34 so I started walking everyday for 20mins, then 45. I did that for 7 yrs. Now I have stopped for 5yrs… doing walks just here and there. Im unfit again because I’ve lost that wonderful motivation.
Love this, Turia, it takes all the pressure off great expectations and affirms that being there is the starting point. I have heaps of trouble with motivation, even to the point I would say I’m adynamic at times. Just moving is what it’s all about for me. Then the rest seems to just unfold, good or not so good, with a better ability to accept that. I don’t dream of running marathons, but you can apply your logic to any part of your life. With thanks, Ali
Gosh you rock!! You give such wonderful practical advice. I ALWAYS thought I lacked motivation. I’m now going to give consistency a red hot shot. Thank you Turia xxx
Awesome Belinda! Let us know how you go x
Consistency is such good advice, once upon a time I was able to train like a machine – every session had to be smashed and I’d be upset if it wasn’t a winner. Now older with a bit more wear and tear I aim for consistency – not every workout needs to be smashed for me to feel good. It took me a long time to learn this and I wish my younger self had realised this sooner. Love your message, it’s an important one. Motivation isn’t the answer consistency is, just start and after 5 – 10 minutes I’m always glad I did.
Yep, I’m the same with my training. Not every session will be amazing. Out of six sessions a week, two will be great, two will be mundane, and two will be terrible! You’ve just gotta keep at it x
That’s totally consistent with what psychologists teach in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. It’s like the Nike slogan. Just Do It! And I need to take heed. Thanks for the timely advice, Turia. 🙂
I have to agree that training for any goal can be difficult. I started training for my first Tri after turning 40 and my first marathon at 45 and through the difficult days I would just go out and have a go without worrying about what my planned distance and/or intensity was for that day. For me, it was the getting up, dressed and out, then sometimes along the way I would surprise myself and go all the way, yet other days I would go as far as my body and mind took me. Being out and about is far better than being in and regretful.
Motivation comes and goes for me. I’m in a slump at the moment but I’m still managing to do 4+ days of training a week. I’ve learnt that my mind can be my worst enemy so I just do what I have to do and try to turn off my thoughts – otherwise I will think my way out of training.
Yep, sometimes we can “think” our way out of everything!
I agree that consistency and discipline is more helpful than motivation! Another thing I’ve heard Michelle Bridges say is that in the morning she goes into ‘robot mode’ when she gets up to work out. I love that! No thinking allowed – just shoes on and out the door. Although I do think that it’s a good idea to remember “why” a goal or habit is important to you…for those times when you’re just not feeling it!
Thank you for this amazing advice! You inspire beyond measure Turia. I’ve felt MY WHOLE LIFE like I was missing that “naturally motivated” gene, but I also have struggled with terrible anxiety since I was a child and came to realize over the years that exercising was one of the only things that truly alleviated that feeling. Once I came to see exercise as the antidote to that awful, crippling nervous energy that made my life so hard my perspective shifted. Seeing it as almost medicinal has taken away the feeling I have a choice of whether or not to do it, which really helps with consistency. That’s not to say I still don’t struggle to get out of bed and get it done in the morning. I totally do! In those times though, my favorite things to do are ask God (or insert your higher power) to give me meaning and remind me why it’s important that I work out as well as repeat over and over “Progress not perfection. Progress not perfection.
Thank you Turia for clearing up the motivational issue. It couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. I too always thought I am just not that type of person. I have started only just recently using the just get on that treadmill even if it’s not for as long as you want just get on it. I have found I am doing just that and it’s working. There have been some days I’ve achieved more than I thought some days less but I still feel pleased with myself for making the effort.
Cheers
Lisa
Love this consistency thing. I am in need for motivation in a few areas and this has changed my perspective. I know even if my workout last 5 minutes st least I had a go and even if I get little parts of my big tasks done at work at least I will see some progress. Thanks Turia your a gem.
Ps. Love you down to earth attitude and how you explain things x
This morning I really, really needed something, anything, to make me get myself to hit the road for my run and whilst trying to get myself to leave the house, I checked my e-mails (procrastination ….) and there I saw Turia’s e-mail. The solution is so simple and so practical. Be consistent, show up, you will feel better for doing so, even if your session isn’t great. This morning, for the first time in months, I didn’t complete my training session, but I feel that I at least tried, even though I aborted 3/4 of the way.
That’s gorgeous – at least you turned up mate! Like Turia said, consistency is the way to go! It is key to our success no matter what we want to achieve. Be proud of yourself for trying!
Hi Turia!
Thanks for the video. I’ve never felt like I’m missing that ‘naturally motivated’ gene I actually think motivation is something we create and its that thing that keeps us going before we see results kinda measured by strength of character? Though I have used consistency to get through things, I think it takes motivation to begin them and get into that consistent mode and stay in it. I used consistency like as simple as having a shower every morning to help get out of a bad depression stage. I did a boxing lesson yesterday and at the end I was so puffed (I made it through tho, my arms and legs are still sore) but the teacher said to me it doesn’t get any easier you just get stronger. Now that’s stuck in my head I love it. I now try and exercise, stretch, meditate and write a grateful list or even just think about things I’m grateful every day sounds basic but basically I think consistency helps us get up motivation keeps us rising higher. Much appreciation for what you do.
Love Jamie xo
Thanks Turia. I love your advice…. so practical and achievable as always ! ???
I love this use of ‘consistency’ – it feels a lot less intimidating and also more do-able. I am currently doing yoga each day – sometimes a few minutes, and on others maybe an hour. Once I put my yoga clothes on, I know i’m going to get there eventually. So putting my clothes on represents the first step to being consistent with my yoga.
I only wish I had half of your willpower! You are such an inspiration.
Much love xox
I’m with Turia and Charlotte. I’ve exercised in the mornings since I was 23 and I’m now 66. I get out there every day but aim for 3 good sessions a week which allows for some great days some average days and some blah days. And some very blah weeks! Same with food. I never realised what I was doing until Turia put it into words. Thanks so much!!
I have recently got back into exercise after a hand injury (yes the hand also stopped the legs! ) I was being so lazy and using it as an excuse to do nothing! I had never really looked at the differences between “Motivation” and “Consistency” before …. I am almost never motivated but find that by going and doing it even when its hard I push through …. my new mantra is now “Consistency” so thank you for that. “Consistency” also sounds and feels less painful than “Motivation” I’m chucking that word out for good 🙂
Thanks Turia, such an awesome way to look at it. I’ll be definitely turning those words over in my head when I have that day I don’t feel like getting up & going for a walk. ??
Hi Turia! That was PERFECT advice!! You hit it right on for me! I am generally a very disciplined & self motivated person. I may not JUMZp right up the moment I get up & be excited to exercise but I do stop a second b/4 get up & think about my goals & that gets me
Motivated to be a bit excited at least even when tired, but, the word you used is one I will continue to have in my head when feeling a bit unmotivated or discouraged…, CONSISTENCY!!! Love it! Will tell other people too! Thank you! Be blessed & have a great day! Looking forward to next video xxx
Great advice! Thank you ?
So true Turia. I lost a fair bit of motivation when my cycling & hiking buddy broke her leg. She was not able to cycle & could not walk without a moon boot for 23 weeks. At 15 weeks she said i have to keep at it for the both of us. So i did, even though i didnot want to. Listening to you made me realise i was consistantly trying for myself & exercise buddy. I never looked at it from the consistantly angle. You are so right there, we need to look at it differently & be consistant in our efforts even though some days you have a crappy performance. Thank you
That’s a great perspective to have! I am going to try to remember that when my alarm is going off. I often convince myself especially when I’m tired that it’s ok to sleep in and then get upset when I’m not achieving my goals. Well said Turia x
You are correct it is consistency. I started doing the body boss workout with my daughter and husband 3 times a week for appprox 30 mins. Now I am not really what you would call fit I am 47 had a hysterectomy 2 years ago for endometrial cancer and other than walking the dog don’t do much else but this workout has me lunging, squatting and all sorts of different tasks. As much as I hate the thought of doing the exercises I put on the greatest showman soundtracks and I am pumped and feel so much better afterwards and you know what the cm’s are dropping off and that is also what motivates me knowing that I am working towards a better healthier body, that’s going to be around many years. Xx
Thanks to you I have started walking again a few weeks ago..I am 73 with heart issues…loved this video as your words hit home….show up….not realizing that is the consistency
I started back doing my 10’000 steps every day BUT if I do not make that goal I now do not beat myself up over it which I think makes me slack off …as you said ..show up…
Love your videos..keep them coming….
When I don’t feel like going to the gym, I mentally tell myself that “taking care of my health is non-negotiable.” That has worked for me for the last 34 years, despite having a very demanding job and being a visual artist, I spend an hour or hour and a half at the gym four days a week, every week. At 63, I’m full of energy, despite having had cancer. The sense of well being I get from being fit is the best feeling, and when I don’t feel like going, I remember that warm feeling I get after a good workout, that sense of balance between the life of the mind and the life of the body.
I love that Turia reminds us that everything isn’t sunshine and roses, that motivation isn’t easy but you can do it if you try. If you fail, just try again until you get it.
Hi Turia, I’m a big fan, and I really love this video. I really appreciate the reminder that just showing up is enough. If we start with that mindset, then often we can find the energy to start, and then we may even do better than we think we are going to!! I think a lot of us find ourselves using this strategy without really thinking about it, for things we have to do like go to work, or school, but we find it harder to remember when we are doing ‘extra’ things like exercising, or achieving a goal. Thank you for your constant encouragement, you are an inspiration to me.
I read that motivation is a muscle not an emotion, you work it, not feel it. I love the “just show up” comment in your video.
I’m renowned for starting a new fitness regime, start seeing small results then wanting to try something else to get better results. My boyfriend always tells me I just need to stick to something and be consistent.. After watching this.. I’m still not going to admit he was right haha. As a Mum working full time and trying to keep the house running I constantly battle with being tired and not wanting to exercise. I have set days I can workout because of our schedules and if I don’t go on my days I miss out so trying to tell myself to stay consistent and just show up is going to be my new motto!
Thank you for a new positive perspective. It sounds silly, but I had never even thought about it as consistently. More, ‘you just have too’ which breeds procrastination. Thank you! I now have a new internal dialogue. 🙂
Consistency is some thing I have used in the past but then forgot to listen to my body and pushed it over … I got really sick with chronic adrenal fatigue. BUT I’m trying now to use consistency to do training but use my resting HR to determine the exertion of the “session” xxxx
Thanks Turia,
So true, consistency is king. Everything else ebbs and flows but if you consistently show up for whatever your goal is you will be closer towards it than if you hadn’t been consistent. I have lost 6 kg in the last 6 months through a great online program and one of it’s key messages is to just be consistent with your healthy new lifestyle/meals and the only thing between you and your goal is time, just time, nothing else.
That’s awesome Helen, congrats!
Great advice Turia. I really have always thought I’ve missed the motivation gene. I go well for a while and then for whatever excuse – too cold, too hot, too busy, too tired – the excuses keep coming and I stop doing the workouts I know I need. So I’ll have to try the consistency tip. I was trying to aim for a 10 k run then had a small injury with my foot. That stopped me for nearly 2 months ( first excuse). Then Christmas, New year – I can make lots of excuses. I hope I can be more consistent from now on!
I feel like over the last 10 years I have always lacked motivation but when I think back to before this I was organised and consistent, that’s because I had a routine. I often feel like a routine is boring but I realise I currently have a routine, it’s just a bad one (stay up late, buy junk food, sit on the lounge watching TV). Time for change.
2017 was my year of ‘transitioning’ from motivation to consistency and I finally stuck with working towards my goals and the results followed. I absolutely preach consistency over anything now! Love this video xx
Love it and so true Turia! I do try to use consistency when studying, training or simply as a way of pushing through when I find myself procrastinating! I remind myself (when I can!) of how fabulous I’ll feel if I ‘just do it’ and once I’ve conquered the session or whatever it is I wanted to do but for whatever reason avoided.
Funny I see this video just when I’m reading about being consistent and taking responsibility in the book The Slight Edge. Recommend. Agree about motivation vs consistency.
Hola I Have 7 monthts without training…today I start with these new motivation “consistency” thank you so much Turia!!!!???
I need to show this to my kids. Both naturally talented in different sports but not motivated to take it to the next level.
How do you motivate teenagers?
Now that’s another topic for discussion…..
So my first view of your blog, and wow, you have shit worth listening to. I never ever thought of swapping out motivation for consistency. I am so focused on trying to keep motivation and was so down on myself for only doing 3/4 of my workout yesterday because I felt like crap, but your mindset of consistency has put that workout in a whole new light. I think instead of focusing on being “motivated, and smashing it out of the park” I should change my mindset to being consistent. Thanks for the great tip ?
Sometimes I think maybe I have motivation say, the night before and I might think ‘Okay, tomorrow right when you get up, you NEED to go for a run’. Then I wake up and I’m so tired I just think ‘Ugghh I am NOT going for a run’, then I have to think- Will I regret it later?? I may not want to now, but later on I’ll probably think, why did I not run earlier? Usually, after I get the determination to finally get up, I feel fine. Thanks Turia, this really helped xx