Exercise Longevity: What’s Your ‘Why’? (#8)

Picture of man running.

Years ago I was at a place in life where I completely lost the motivation to exercise regularly. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for me to bounce back and start a new routine. What’s interesting is that during this period I began discovering ‘why’ exercising was important to me again.

 


Like most things we commit to in life, it’s important to figure out the ‘why’ in what we’re doing.

 


 

It doesn’t hurt to reflect on your current progress every once in a while.

 

Since I decided to take ownership over my health and well-being again, I had to figure out why I wanted to get back into my workout routine again.

 

My reason?

 


I knew that regular exercise kept me balanced in other areas of life, and helped me to become a better person.


 

While setting goals for your exercise program is important, your reason (WHY) serves as the backbone for your goal and takes it a step further. Quite frankly, the reason for your goal is a lot more stable than the feeling associated with your goal.

 

Having a meaning to your exercise not only gets you started but keeps you going.

 

Chances are you’re not going to feel as motivated at the gym on “Day 56” as you did on “Day 1”, but the reason why you’re working out should remain the same on both days.

 


Feelings of motivation ignite the flame, but your ‘why’ keeps the flame going.


 

In order to get the most out of your wellness experience whatever you’re doing has to be meaningful to you. A good way to begin is by identifying your personal desires. Furthermore, activities such as writing things out and daily meditation are powerful tools to use to empower you along your fitness journey.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Take ownership over your well-being
  • Figure out the reason for why you’re committing to your exercise routine
  • “Motivated feelings” change far more that “meaningful reasons”
  • Make whatever you’re doing become meaningful to you