How To Stay Motivated
We all have those days or weeks where we just can’t seem to stay motivated. Even professional athletes have periods of time where we just want to sleep in, eat whatever we want, watch Netlfix, and scroll on our phones all day. You’re totally normal for feeling this way, and it’s ok to take days to do this sometimes. But, the reality is that if you want to accomplish big things, you’re going to have to fight through these feelings and do what you need to do to go after your goals. Here is my advice on how to stay disciplined when you are in a slump:
1) Set Your Goals High
I’m here to remind you to set big goals for yourself. Small goals are not going to get you up off the couch to do sprints or lift weights like a big goal will. For example, saying “I want to get a contract for a team next year” doesn’t motivate me as much as, “I want to be the best middle blocker in Champions League.” Even if I fall short of that goal, I’m still likely to be in a much better spot chasing that goal than if I was just trying to make any team. Set your goals high, make sure it’s something that excites you, and keep this goal in mind when you’re in a slump.
2) Start Small
If you’re feeling unmotivated and schedule 12 workouts for the week, this will be overwhelming and will add to your negative feelings. But, if you’re feeling unmotivated and you start by going for a walk or doing yoga or just driving to the gym, you’re going to feel better and will want to do a little more. Even if you only get some small movement in, starting small is better than not starting at all. This can be applied to any goal, whether it’s meditating, recovery, reading, or learning a new hobby. Start with a few minutes a day and work your way up.
3) Find an Accountability Partner
Pick a friend, family member, or teammate who will hold you accountable. Set up your plan for the week and check in with them each week to make sure you’re staying on track. It will help if you also have a workout partner. This way you’ll have to show up to your workouts.
4) Stay Consistent
It is much better for you to stay consistent over time than to jump in guns blazing, lose motivation after a week, and take the next week off. Try to stick to a little bit each day. This will help create momentum, which will make it easier to stay motivated.
“Staying motivated” isn’t necessarily what you should be after. Your goal should be to stay disciplined. Discipline is feeling the negative feelings, but fighting through and doing what needs to be done anyway. If you show up a little bit each and every day, you will find the momentum you need that will make it easier and easier to show up. Start small, stay consistent, and go after your big goals. And remember that there are people who want to help you and see you succeed, so work together. As always, reach out if you have any questions and follow Shine On Volley on Instagram and TikTok for more!