Philippians 4:6–7 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
There was a time in my life when I thought working out regularly every morning might be a good idea (for me or someone else). To be perfectly fully transparent, this being a good idea doesn't mean I wanted to do the work, I just wanted the results. But I did want the results of stamina, flexibility and endurance. I did it for several months - and then I simply stopped because we were on vacation and I got out of the routine.
I read something from a friend today and he shared his own journey of motivation to exercise . What he shared is truly a “game-changer” for me. Here is what he said.
"I would guess that in the past four months there were many days where working out wasn’t even on my radar. In fact, the thought of running, lifting, or jumping was the last thing on my mind. I didn’t have time. I was too tired. I was getting bored. My body was sore. Those excuses along with a hundred more seemed to flood my mind.
So why did I press on? Here are some strategies that work for me:
- Start with a small goal: Commit to doing a shorter or less intense workout to make it more manageable.
- Find motivation: Remind yourself of the benefits of exercise, set goals, or listen to energizing music.
- Change your mindset: Focus on how you’ll feel after the workout, rather than dwelling on the effort it takes.
- Try a different activity: Switch up your routine with a new exercise or engage in an activity you enjoy to make it more appealing.
- Seek accountability: Exercise with a friend, join a class, or use a fitness app that tracks your progress to stay motivated."
These motivation principles are applicable to all of life.
*You have delighted in reading the Bible, but you are just a little burned out. Remind yourself of the huge benefits to finishing well.
*Your job just isn’t as exciting as it used to be - remind yourself of why you took this position in the first place
*Your marriage has become stale - Try some new ways to communicate with your spouse.
*Ask a trusted friend to keep you accountable in various areas of your life.
