THE PULSE

If you were chasing your goals at full speed in January but find yourself slowing down these days, then it’s definitely time to check under the hood and see what’s messing with your motivation.br />
For progress to be made on any goal—be it working out more often, eating healthier, pursuing your passion, or anything else—you have to get the work done. But, if you’re having trouble keeping yourself on task because you’re not feeling motivated, read our list of common motivation killers. Then… take action.

You’re Sacrificing Sleep

If you’ve been getting up so early for workouts that you’re not getting the hours of sleep you need, eventually, your body is going to rebel. Getting out of bed will feel impossible. Early workouts can be great, but we sometimes forget just how important sleep actually is. Consider swapping some of your early morning workouts for a trip to the club on your way home from work, or prioritize getting to bed earlier. It might mean saving that Netflix show for the weekend, but feeling better all week—and actually feeling motivated to reach your goals—will be more than worth it.
 

You’re Overwhelmed

When you have way too much on your plate and you’re under constant stress, your mind and body can start to shut down—and your motivation for working out will likely be the first thing to go. One solution might be that you need some rest—not just sleep, but some time off. But if after some R&R you’re feeling just as unmotivated, it might be time to ask for some help. That might mean delegating some tasks to your partner, asking your family and friends for help, or talking to a professional about your feelings.

Also, for the overwhelmed parents out there—don’t forget, we can watch kids at the Kid Zone while you work out.
 

You Set Unrealistic Expectations

We always want to dream big… right? Well, it turns out that dreaming TOO big can actually be a problem. If you consistently set up unrealistic expectations for yourself, you’ll feel disappointed if they don’t pan out as quickly as you’d like—and that can kill motivation. We need to see and recognize progress as we make it and remember that health and fitness goals take a long time! If you’re feeling unmotivated because your original goal was too lofty, you don’t need to give up on it completely, but it could be worth your time to check in and see if it’s still what you want, and if there are smaller goals you can give yourself that would point you in that direction.

Still on the hunt for motivation tips? Try one of these articles:

5 Ways To Feel Motivated When You're Tired
3 Motivation Hacks You Haven't Tried Yet
5 Ways To Find Motivation When You Don’t Want To Work Out