“Feeling Like It” Isn’t a Requirement

“Feeling Like It” Isn’t a Requirement
by NIA SHANKS

Most of the time I look forward to my workouts. Not only do I enjoy the physical challenge they present, but they’re meditative. When I start a workout, I shove everything else out of my mind and focus on the task at hand. It’s a welcoming breath of fresh air that allows me to decompress.

And then there are periods like the past few weeks. I do not want to work out. There are other things I’d rather be doing and other tasks where I’d like to focus my attention.

But as the Lift Like a Girl coaching group has heard me say countless times: When it comes to getting a workout done, feeling like doing it is not a requirement.

Because that truth is hardwired into my mind, I’ve been showing up on my regularly scheduled workout days and getting the work done. I don’t have to feel like doing it to show up and put in the work. And I’m always glad I did the workout once it’s completed.

This is why I repeatedly say you can’t rely on motivation — the times when you feel like working out and eating well — to keep you going long term. Because feel-good motivation is finite; it will wax and wane. What will keep you going when it seemingly vanishes for awhile?

While I love discovering what my body can do, getting stronger, and pushing myself, fitness has a greater purpose: To keep my body and mind healthy in the short and long term. So while I don’t currently have a hunger to lift heavy or chase any cool personal records, I’ll keep showing up every week. I’ll keep doing the work. I’ll keep the workout habit alive. I’ll keep making the investment in myself.