Activation Mode: ON!

1. Do you have the motivation in your mind, but somehow the signal isn't getting through to your body? This is more common than you might think. You aren't alone. Sometimes, it's your discipline that needs to activate your motivation. Training your mind as well as your body. Luckily Active Mile is on hand to guide you through, and give you some top tips for getting active, when your motivation is in hiding.

"Just because you're struggling with self-discipline doesn't mean you have to raise the white flag and declare your self-improvement efforts a complete failure.  Instead, work to increase the chances that you'll stick to your healthier habits – even when you don't feel like it." Amy Morin

Amy Morin is a psychotherapist and international best-selling author of 13 things mentally strong people don't do; these are wise words, for the non-elite "athletes" amongst us. In fact, one of the main habits that sets us apart from the aforementioned elite, is the absence of discipline for working out and eating better; when we don't want to.  Having motivation is great but for some of us, it isn't always there. So, what do we do then?

Where do we turn when our motivation goes on vacation?

Many of us might be motivated for a week or a month, and within that time our wonderful motivation will fluctuate, even fleetingly within the day! And how do we fit in all this healthy eating and exercise when we are working full time, parenting, attending meetings, stuck in the famous Dubai traffic? Well, the simple answer is, it isn't always a case of motivation. Yes, motivation is certainly a huge…well motivator, but as we've already said motivation isn't consistent, and it's in those moments when it abandons us, that we have to search elsewhere, and that's where discipline comes in.  Getting ourselves into good habits that suit our varied lifestyles will keep us on track when Mr. or Mrs. Motivation says goodbye.

On those days when the duvet is calling us for an afternoon nap, or the new Netflix series must be binged, or the one biscuit with a cup of tea is ok…Dear discipline is there to keep us on track.  We might not want to do it, but discipline says that we really should.  Or we really might want to eat that biscuit but discipline says we really shouldn’t. When we hear that (sometimes very faint) voice of discipline, it is our next actions that are the most crucial. Acting upon that voice. Remembering of course, that all things in moderation is generally ok.

Just to be clear, this is not about that voice guilting us into working out, or eating a limp salad for lunch every day.  Of course, there will be side steps, dips and losses (not always on the scales).  But it is about creating positive, achievable habits that work for us, for you; and it's not easy. Psychologists and experts have studied this for many years, each one of us is different, so there's no one solution for all.

But all is not lost, in fact there is much to gain.  Even in our darkest hours when we feel like we have no control, you do!  We just don't know it yet.  With a little practice and finding some good habits, you can grow your self-discipline into something you are proud of.  So that the next time, Mr Motivation is on vacation, Sargent discipline will step in and you will do the thing anyway!

So, what is self-discipline?

In short this is our ability to control our actions, feelings and emotions. From finances, to what we eat, to making ourselves workout, even when we don’t want to. It's a bit of a catch-22 – We can stay motivated if we have discipline, but sometimes we need the motivation to force the discipline.  What do we do when that motivation is MIA?

Well, that’s when our habits come in! Creating and developing good habits, that will make sure we stay on track even when that pesky voice is telling us not to.

The benefits for us when we activate our self-discipline are huge, and they include:

Benefits of Self-Discipline

• Makes you feel happier
• Increases your ability to achieve your long tern goals
• Decreases anxiety
• Positive feeling of being in control
• Improved health and wellness
• Improved time management
• Improved mindfulness
• Improved productivity
• Improved resilience

Of course, we can be aware of the benefits, but it can still be hard to subdue that tempting devil on your shoulder.  Have no fear Active Mile has compiled a list of top tips for you to keep that active mode switched on:

Visualize your goals!

By that we mean have a visual representation of what your aims are and by when! Use Pinterest, your photo album on your phone, make a mood board, or even have those positive goals stuck on your fridge!

Set small goals first!

Small achievable steps, is the first step to achieving those bigger more long-term goals. There is no point setting yourself a goal of working out 6 times a week, if you haven't exercised for a year.  Try 1-2 times a week and then build it up. But still set those goals and work towards them.  Review them regularly and adapt as you need.

Hold yourself accountable!

Whatever this looks like to you, journaling, asking a friend to check if you have stayed on track, arranging workouts with a buddy – and sticking to them.

Reward yourself!

When you achieve a small goal, what's your reward? A night out, a small treat or a shopping trip. You will beat yourself up when you slip, so don't forget to reward your successes.

Track your progress!

…and not just on the scales. Take measurements and pictures, chart your workouts, increase your reps.  You had two takeout's this week, next week aim for one…

Eliminate the guilts!

Realistically, you will have ups and downs.  Good days and bad days.  You might miss a day or two exercising or have that packet of crisps.  It's ok.  You’re only human. Dust yourself off, pick yourself up and reset.

Nothing compares to you!

As Sinead O'Connor one sang, and it's true. Don't compare yourself to all the glamorous workout bunnies on social media.  The reality is they are probably using a hell of a lot of good lighting and angles, and being paid to do it.  Your steps and your achievements are yours, and you should be proud of them.

But do surround yourself with healthy role models

The PTs that keep it real, the ones who offer realistic nutrition advice, and the ones who show you their sweat patches! We will be compiling a list of these for you to get on board with in the future.

Plan ahead!

Meal prep, plan the days you will workout.  Create yourself a little schedule and try to stick to it.  Planning your time will help with your accountability, and you can plan around any events that might lead you astray – Both are possible, with a little balancing. You'll thank yourself for the meal prep, when you've lost control of the day, and can grab something in the freezer, rather than grabbing for the delivery menu.

Find the fun!

If your workout is boring, you're going to be bored, and chances are you'll fall out of your routine and Mr Motivation will go on vacation again!  Switch it up every month or so and get active doing something you enjoy.

What will you do today to go the Active Mile?