Some thoughts from Tanja
Do you remember January 2020? It was a lifetime ago!
If you are like me, you set a few New Year Resolutions, like: cutting back on caffeine, spending more time with your kids, losing a few pounds . . .
then COVID happened!
Suddenly, I’m questioning if my goals are even realistic and I'm struggling to stay motivated and maybe you are too. Don’t give up yet! Here are 3 tips that have helped me stay on track for 2020:
1) Remember Why
“That is easy for her to say; she is a dancer. Discipline is second nature”, you think.
We all struggle with motivation. But if we are always comparing ourselves to who we were or what we did yesterday, it can be self-defeating. Instead of looking backwards. Say ‘I’m going to win from this moment onward.’ Discipline takes practice and each day is an opportunity to start again. As Anne of Green Gables ponders, “Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
2) Get off the “Guilt Train”
Yesterday didn’t go so well and you’re disappointed with yourself. The voice inside your head says, “I knew you weren’t going to do it!” Woah! When did negative reinforcement ever help?! Once we get into the pattern of always being hard on ourselves for not sticking to our plans, it becomes a hard-to-break, self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, catch yourself and practice self-compassion; the type of compassion you would give a loved one, who is trying to break a bad habit. Acknowledge that we all make mistakes. You are human, after all!
When was the last time you were faced with an international lock down and pandemic? Give Yourself a break. We are all experiencing this unprecedented time together for the first time. We will face all sorts of emotions; including lack of motivation.
3) Start Small
You can have a fitness goal, but you are focusing on where you want to be versus where you are now, it can be so intimidating that you take no action at all. Instead of the end goal, think about smaller steps you can accomplish along the way. Completing even a small bit every day is more conducive to seeing results in the long run, because you’re more likely to commit. For me, my goal of “just 5 minutes” of stretching makes we want to do a little bit more. Before I know it, I've spent a good half hour devoted to my physical wellness. I love it when I trick myself into doing more!
Stay safe everyone and let’s keep it moving! 😉
Tanja Whited is one of our popular Instructors at Ballet & Body.
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