There were days I almost quit. But I didn’t. And here’s why…
Let us be honest, relying on motivation is futile since motivation fades.
There are mornings I stared at my running gear for 15 minutes only to choose my pillow instead.
Other nights, I questioned if the efforts are worth it, especially after a workout that left my muscles sore or when I couldn’t see the scale move, or simply felt tired of trying.
I thought:
👉 “What’s the point?”
👉 “Other coaches like Ashton Hall make it look easy.”
👉 “Maybe I’m just made for this.”
But then… something shifted.
I Realised Consistency Is Not about Motivation — It’s About Psychology
What if I told you that motivation is not what keeps people going?
This is what does:
1. The “5-Minute Rule”
Whenever I felt like skipping the gym, I convinced myself to show up for just 5 minutes, then I would leave. What I realized is that once I started, the thought of leaving never popped up. I just kept going.
So next time you feel the way I did, tell yourself this:
“I’ll just show up for 5 minutes.”
Starting is the key. Once you start, you will shift into gear. Hence, action beats hesitation — every single time.
2. Visualize Your “Why” Daily
Ever read Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning? A great masterpiece for those seeking their “why” in life. Such lessons can be applied to your fitness journey. When you set your goals, don’t just set them, feel them.
Remind yourself every day as you stare at your mirror:
“I’m doing this for my future self.”
“I want to play with my kids without pain.”
“I want to feel proud in the mirror.”
All these words spark an emotion. Thus, emotion is the fuel that drives consistency.
3. Stack Fitness to Your Routine
The problem with the majority is that we keep waiting for the perfect moment to start our fitness journey. The truth is, there is never a perfect moment, just the one we have currently. Start with the simple things that matter – the atomic habits.
Don’t try to change your whole routine; the mind has trouble letting go, especially when it reaches a certain age. Just attach workouts to existing habits.
For instance:
After brushing your teeth, stretch
Just finished sipping your morning coffee? Have a quick 15-minute bodyweight workout
Is the email list now clear? Do some 20 pushups
Before Netflix, do 10 squats every episode
Habit stacking removes friction.
4. Track Progress, Not Perfection
Don’t chase perfection; it can lead to anxiety, lack of satisfaction, or procrastination. Some weeks, you’ll crush it. Other weeks, just showing up will be the win.
So, keep a record — even if it is as simple as:
“Did 5 pullups. Felt drained. But I showed up.”
Momentum builds from tiny victories.
5. Find an Accountability Trigger
Can’t get a coach? No worries. All you need is someone or something that holds you accountable. For example:
📱 Join a fitness group
📷 Post a story when you finish a workout
👯 Tag a friend who’s on the same path
Commit publicly. Your word becomes real.
Finally, Don’t Wait to “Feel Ready”
On the days I almost gave up, I held on to this statement:
“Discipline is doing what needs to be done even when you don’t feel like it.”
Remember:
Your future self is counting on you.
Start messy. Start tired. Start unsure.
So, just don’t stop.
Share with us in the comment section if you have also felt like giving up on your fitness journey.