Motivation - how to keep it once you find it! Part 2

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Motivation is fundamental if you want to reach any goal you set out. Taylor (2009) states that "motivation in sports is so important because you must be willing to work hard in the face of fatigue, boredom, pain, and the desire to do other things." However, once you get started your level of motivation might drop, so what are you going to do about that?

At one point in your training you will most likely start to feel that it is no fun anymore, you might be tired, or in pain. However, according to Taylor (2009) this is the time, where you have to push through and keep working towards your goal. To help you reach your goal Taylor suggests some motivational tricks:
  • Focus on your long-term goals
  • Have a training partner
  • Focus on the greatest competitor
  • Motivational cues
  • Set goals
  • Daily questions
  • The heart of motivation
Krahn (2014) suggests that for motivation to really work, the motivational factor must be intrinsic. If they are, some things that may help keeping you motivated could be:
  • Be Goal-Driven
  • Review your goals weekly
  • Don't be afraid to change gym/club/sport
  • Make it bigger than you 
  • Grow a set - if you don't want it enough it is not happening 
All in all, it's about finding out what works for you! Whether it's keeping a workout log where you write down how you feel after a workout or if it's to stay fit so you have energy to play with your kids, you have to stay focused on your goal - if not you're never going to reach it.

References:
1. Taylor, J.; Psychology Today, Sports: What Motivates Athletes? How can athletes maximize their motivation? Posted Oct 30, 2009 - find the article here

2. Krahn, B; Bodybuilding.com; 5 Motivation Tricks of Successful People, Posted Nov. 5, 2014 - find the article here

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