Motivation comes and motivation goes. Sometimes we’re super focused and dedicated, and other times we just want to pull the covers over our heads. That’s normal!
If you find your motivation slipping, though, and you really want to get it back, just turn to the alphabet.
Always have a Goal
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with running for fun, but if you do find yourself in a rut, a goal can help you find your running mojo again. Especially if it’s a goal for someone else. I’m not sure why we tend to work harder for someone else, and more easily blow things off when it’s just us, but we do!
Be Kind to Yourself
Kindness can take many forms:
- Cutting a bad run short
- Taking that rest day
- Not worrying about pace
- Skipping a long run when you’re burnt out
- Running with friends
There’s nothing wrong with cutting yourself a little slack when you’re just not feeling it. Cutting back might just be the answer to finding your mojo again.
Compare Yourself only to Yourself
The comparison game never ends well. Running may come easily to some people, but you can bet there’s another area of their life they’re struggling with. You can’t change your age, or your body type — even your energy level on any given day!
When all else fails . . .
. . . Reward Yourself!
People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily. — Zig Ziglar
Final thoughts
I almost said Consistency for “C”. If you are consistent, then fitness becomes a habit. It’s like driving home. You turn the same way you always do — even sometimes when you meant to take a different route!
You may lose your motivation from time to time, but an ingrained habit can be hard to break.
Can you think of other ABCs for motivation?
What keeps you motivated?
What’s your number one, never fails motivation tip?
Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner
This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Oh, this is a brilliant game, Judy! I love your motivation goals. Here are mine:
A – Adopt a running tribe (the virtual running bloggers!)
B – Believe in your goals (reaching my annual goal of 2’600km)
C – Create a habit (your last point – an ingrained habit is hard to break).
In tough times, I think having a virtual running tribe is the no. 1 motivator for me.
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Love it, Catrina!
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Always dress for the right weather
Bring a positive attitude
Call a friend
The last one never fails.
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Dressing right for the weather is hard though! Especially in the transitional seasons.
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True. I like my DIY arm sleeves. It lets me wear tanks most of the time even in the spring and fall and calf sleeves to prolong the skirt season. I HATE being warm when I run.
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I love how you broke this down to ABC – what a great way to remember ways to stay motivated!
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Thanks, Kim!
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These are always great things to remember…I have to work on being kind to myself. And sometimes comparing yourself to yourself can actually make things harder if you’re trying to build yourself back from a long running drought.
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You’re so right about comparing yourself to the old self. You do have to meet yourself where you’re at now, and let go of where you were. Which can be frustrating, I know!
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A-Action on the daily….whether it’s a walk, run, strength work, ab/core work, etc.. I try to do some form of activity every day.
B-Biking for the win! Currently, the bike is my main go-to, and I’m so grateful!
C-Compare/criticize NOT! We all have different goals, life styles, stamina, and energy levels. There’s absolutely nothing to be gained by comparing yourself to others, or criticizing what others may (or may not) be doing.
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Great ABCs, Kim!
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All great tips – I especially like remembering to be kind to yourself!
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Being kind to yourself trickles over to everyone else in your life. 🙂
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Great approach with the A,B,Cs… and great points! Here are some more…
Always show up, doesn’t matter if you do 10 minutes or a marathon.
Be grateful that you GET to run.
Cheer each other on.
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I love these, San!
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Love it!
Awareness- be aware of your body and don’t ignore aches and pains that don’t quickly go away
Beauty- don’t forget to take in and appreciate the beauty of nature around you when you’re outside
Capable- you are capable of so much more than you realize
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Beauty is a really good one (and one I actually do use a lot!).
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This is great. I am very rarely kind to myself (I was raised by “tiger women” lol), but it makes a difference.
I am more of a consistency person. Like you said, if it’s habit, you are more likely to do it.
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If you’re not kind to yourself it makes it harder to be kind to the people around you! Just food for thought.
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Consistency is key for me. I have to have a routine and make running and training an everyday part of my life. Being kind to myself is something I am still working on!
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Being kind to yourself is kinda the number one thing in life! Of course not always easy to do — but we have to be as kind to ourselves as we are to others — maybe even more so!
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Totally agree with these! I like the consistency one. That has really helped me to keep up with running over the years!
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I am very consistent — I think it’s one of my super powers. 🙂
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This sums it up. Consistency for me has been the biggest. I find that I actually always have a reason not to get out and run – tired from work, just not feeling it, too hot. But staying consistent (and let me add a D – Disciplined!) really helps to get me out even if the motivation is not there. And very rarely do I regret going out. In fact, I usually come back wondering why I resisted it in the first place!
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I won’t lie, as was obvious, I really struggled with running this summer. I often didn’t feel great after a run — I’m sure it was a variety of things that caused that. Now that the weather is slowly moving into cooler (and there’s less bugs) it’s more rewarding for me to run again!
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Being kind is so important! Mine would be:
A: Adapt and adjust
B: Be patient and trust your training
C: Consistency
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Trusting training is so important! I’ve gotten better at adjusting, too. I was to be pretty rigid (and can still be a bit sometimes, but I’m better!).
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I love this! Great way to think about it. Another thing that I think helps with motivation and accountability is to have a Buddy. Finding running friends is so helpful.
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Buddies are great, but can be kind of hard right now! For me, anyway, I’m really not comfortable with running in a group. Maybe not even with someone, although I do get together with a friend to walk, but we’re both masked — I haven’t been running masked.
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This is great! I love your tips. I like that running is a routine for me. I do it in the morning and then get on with life. 🙂
Thanks for linking up with us!
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