Sometimes, we know exactly what we want to say but we can’t get the right words out. Similarly, we very often want to get out there and exercise or work out, but we just can’t find the motivation. That’s where we should look to others for inspiration. There are some quotes and one liners out there that hit the point so hard that you instantly’ ‘get it’. Here are 10 for starters.
“Willpower is like a muscle. The more frequently you train it, the stronger it gets.” Although its unsure who said this, that doesn’t make it any less true or relevant. This is the go to quote for when you’re low on motivation and need to remember that motivation feeds off of willpower; it takes time and effort.
“It’s a slow process, but quitting won’t speed it up.” This simple reminder that things take time should be hanging over every home gym; anyone who is expecting noticeable results needs to realise they’re in it for the long haul.
“You can have a choice. You can throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face.” When things are getting tough and you start to question the point of exercise, just remember that you’re at a perpetual crossroads; you can give up or you can plough forwards.
“Don’t stop trying just because you’ve hit the wall. Progress is progress no matter how small.” You may be questioning the point of it all or thinking that your results aren’t coming in as quickly as at the start of your journey, but just remember that it’s all progress towards a much bigger goal.
“Don’t wait for tomorrow to motivate you to work out! You will find another excuse to quit. Start now!” We all experience procrastination at times and think, “I’m going to put it off, but I’ll definitely do it tomorrow.” This isn’t just about fitness, it’s about all the things we keep meaning to do. Start today.
“If something stands between you and your success, move it. Never be denied.” This one is courtesy of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and he’s the ultimate success story. Granted, some barriers are indeed insurmountable, but for those things standing in your way, look at how you can move it rather than try and jump around it.
“Don’t let the weekend become your weak end.” We all need time to relax and get over the pressures of the last five days, as well as prepare for the week ahead. But it’s important to keep your motivation going ever over those precious two days.
“Exercising should be about rewarding the body with endorphins and strength… Not about punishing your body for what you’ve eaten.” Perhaps one of the most overlooked parts of a fitness regime is to not punish oneself; indeed, you’re allowed a treat and a cheat once in a while. Don’t be too hard on yourself as you’ll find yourself being perpetually demotivated.
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” This is one of those quotes to tap into when you’re having an ‘off day’ in the early parts of your journey. It’ll take a long time in the bigger scheme of things to get from a place of little motivation to having plenty as a regular occurrence. That won’t come naturally though. You need to give it time to build up and become a habit.
“Fitness is not about being better than someone else. It’s about being better than you used to be.” Again, this one comes from someone who knows about success; Khloe Kardashian. Too many people will place emphasis on wanting to do better than someone else; how about making that ‘other person’ your old self, or better still, just wanting to ‘do better’? Motivation has to come from a good place, and not simply wanting to use someone else as an example of who you don’t want to be. Use yourself as an example of betterment.