If you’re anything like me, you’ve been searching for motivation ever since this lockdown started.

I’m here to tell you: you don’t need it.

Now hear me out. This is a global pandemic. This is a time where everyone’s routines have been uprooted and basically thrown in the garbage. This is not the happiest of times and we really shouldn’t be placing unrealistic expectations on ourselves.

I also don’t think we need to use this time to be insanely productive, learn a new skill, read our book list for the year or feel like we need to be doing all of the things we “didn’t have time for” previously. We don’t need to spend 2 hours a day working out.

And this is because we are dealing with so much more than what’s on the surface. As if the global pandemic wasn’t enough, we’re dealing with every level that is affected as this lockdown trickles down into each aspect of our lives.

We can’t see our loved ones. We can’t work. We can’t express ourselves how we normally do. Our days are filled with excessive screen-time and excessive food. Our minds are filled with excessive anxiety and excessive worries. This is so much happening that most of us have never experienced, and all of these changes are ok.

It is OK to not be motivated, have direction, or be happy every day. It is more than OK to forego your normal structured routine and adjust your goals.

why set yourself up for failure?

Instead of locking in on your crazy weight loss goal, maybe lock in on your ability to maintain, to break that mental barrier and get stronger. Instead of restricting your calories to nonexistent, maybe accept this time to have fun trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen. There is no reason to keep these once (semi) realistic goals that have now become nearly impossible, just so that we see ourselves fail.

This isn’t to say that it’s impossible to reach your goals right now. But take into consideration how intensely you’ve been affected by this historic event. And set goals that cater to your current situation.

so what does this have to do with motivation?

Instead of searching high and low (there’s only so many spots in the house for it to hide) for motivation, search for the desire to be a better you.

This doesn’t mean a skinnier, stronger, bigger bootier you, but a happier you.

How do you feel after a workout? For me, I am exhilarated. I feel all of the endorphins. I feel strong, powerful, and more confident in myself and what I can do.

Even when it’s a shitty workout, I tell myself that I’m awesome for trying and at least moving my body for a bit, and I move on.

I try to move my body daily because it keeps my body and mind happy. My whole mood shifts when I have a good workout and it allows me to return to the present without worrying about anything else. I can get lost in my music, focus on my form and how my body is moving, and feel the energy within me. This is what really allows me to stay motivated.

just do it for you

Stop searching for motivation, because possibly more days than not, it won’t be sitting next to you on the couch & easily accessible.

Pick yourself up, grab some water and throw on a bomb playlist for you, your mental health, and your body that is craving to be challenged.

Dedicate the time for yourself, even if it’s only 10 minutes! Just make yourself start and do what you can. Each day you will be surprised at how much you can do. And on days that you REALLY don’t want to do anything, you’ll be even more surprised when your dedication to yourself overrides your lack of motivation. Because you are stronger than you think you are.

tips for showing up for yourself

1. Make a to-do list

If you write out a list of things you want/need to accomplish that day, you’ll eventually get tired of not being able to cross them off if you don’t do them. So write down what you really want for yourself to do – to workout, to cook, to catch up on work.

2. Set an alarm

Plan out when you want to get your workout in. If you know you like to have your mornings to relax and wake up – don’t expect yourself to workout first thing in the AM. Set an alarm for a reasonable time that works for your schedule. When the timer goes off, don’t think about it. Stand up, grab your 8-week plan, put on your music and just start.

3. Have an accountability partner

Tell someone you’re going to do my 8-week plan. If you voice your goals to others, you are much more likely to accomplish them. And if your accountability partner is a good one – they won’t let you fail. Make a friend do my plan with you if you want! That way you can check in with them after each workout and congratulate each other for completing it. Don’t have an accountability partner? Use me! I’m always happy to check in on you and keep you going.

4. Use a program that lays out your workouts for you

If you don’t already have a plan that tells you what workout to do each day, you should get one. Half the battle of working out, especially without access to equipment & studio classes, is figuring out what to do. Use a plan (ideally my free 8-week home guide ;)) to set you up for success. You wake up and you know exactly what you’re doing that day. All you have to do is set the alarm and get it done. Don’t think about it, just do it!

5. Track your progress

This does not have to be on a scale (and I’d say it’s probably better, especially right now, if it’s not). Notice how you can do an extra round of a circuit as you go through the plan. Notice how the push ups become easier, your body is less sore, and you have more energy. Take note of all of this, and appreciate how your workouts are changing the way you feel. Hold onto this because all of these reasons will keep you going on the days that you have zero motivation, I promise.

6. Show yourself all the love

Please be kind to yourself. You are going through so much. It’s easy to say others are going through more than you are, that maybe you shouldn’t feel so affected. While others may have it worse, it doesn’t invalidate your own feelings. Allow yourself to adjust the areas of your life that need it to cope with this time period. We are all in this together and you are most definitely not alone. Be kind to yourself and your body (the workouts will make your body so happy) and take it all one day at a time.

magic motivation? nope

I don’t want anyone to feel like everyone else has some sort of magic motivation that they can’t seem to find. We don’t, no one does. At the end of the day, we just want to show up for ourselves and stay happy/sane.

When your lack of motivation is telling you that you don’t need a workout, shut it out. Instead, tell yourself that your best you is waiting on the other side of that Cardio & Core session. Stop thinking, shut off the brain and move your body. You will feel so good after, I promise. After all, working out is one of the best forms of therapy.

SO, I hope you are all ready to kick some ass during this 8-week workout plan!

Let’s lift each other up, cheer each other on, and show up for ourselves.