Motivation vs. Discipline

It’s January 31, and your motivation is nowhere to be found.

Showing up to the gym is the hardest part about your fitness journey. It is honestly the hardest part about anyone’s fitness journey! Motivation is NOT always there, even for the most dedicated 5 day a week-ers. (Especially this time of year!) Its cold out, raining and getting dark early. Waking up for those morning classes doesn’t sound near as nice as sleeping in, and after work we all just want to go home, eat some dinner and relax.

What is it those crazy fitness freaks have then?

It is DISCIPLINE. It is habit. It is dedication.

The definition of discipline is “the practice of training people to obey rules or code of behavior…” How long does it take to create a habit? 66 days (some people take up to 254 days). Dedication is what can create this lifestyle change into an easy, daily, habit. I’m not saying you will love going to the gym and eating a healthy meal every day is going to be easy after your habit is formed. Some days I show up to the gym and I just feel like I am going through the motions. Some Wednesday nights I am out of the food I prepped over the weekend, and I don’t want to cook so we go out to eat.

Not wanting to go to the gym, but going still burns calories, still maintains your progress, still keeps you on track vs. taking set backs. ITS OKAY. Making excuses however is not. Excuses turn into habits real quick. It is easier to “not have time” than to rearrange your schedule, or wake up earlier to make time. Motivation isn’t going to wake you up everyday unfortunately. I’m sure most people are struggling with their new year motivation… aka New Years Resolutions (because I know I am!)

What I loved about CrossFit when I started was I could come in sleepy eyed and be lead through a workout. I didn’t have to think or plan what I was going to do in the gym, a certified coach had already done that work for me. Eventually I made friends in every class I went to and I WANTED to go workout to go see them, not necessarily because I really wanted to workout that day. I had zero intentions of liking CrossFit when I started, but it turned into one of the best decisions of my life later. I love my new group of friends (the ones when I miss a few days the re-introduce themselves to me, and ask me if its my first day), I love that we have a common interest (when we hangout and I opt for a ground turkey dish they get it), and I love the community (the encouragement is like none other). I believe CrossFit Nac can help you have discipline faster than any other facility will, based on my experience while in college at SFA.

What’s the punishment for not sticking to your goals (having discipline, creating habits)? Well, not getting your desired results, looking in the mirror and having those feelings of regret month after month. No one ever comes to the gym, and regrets burning calories , and making memories after. Learn from your past mistakes, embrace the positive changes, and take charge of your life!

- Tyler Belrose