Staying Motivated Through the Holidays

Everyone wants the secret to staying motivated and there are tons of tricks up my sleeve as a personal trainer that can for sure help you with this exact problem! However, I also think it’s okay to remember that motivation is an emotion and it’s not something that is always there.

Especially during the month of December when everybody is busy, you have unchecked to-do list’s scattered throughout the house, you are struggling to find time to buy presents, bake cookies, and simply clean your house. How the heck are you going to cook a nice big dinner and go to the gym?

I am right there with you.

I have such a hard time getting up in the winter to go to the gym because it’s always so dark and cold and my bed seems to be way comfier than any other time of year.

I always have to remind myself what my goals are though. Take myself back to my why. Back to the reason that I force myself through the pain of growing in the gym every week. I do it because I want to lead by example. I want to work hard so my students see me. Especially my girls who are becoming teenagers and are going to soon become obsessed with their bodies and how they look. I want to show them that girls can lift too.

I also do it for my own personal sanity. I legit am a much funner person to be around when I have worked out.

I am more energetic, I have more patience, I love myself more so I am in a better mood. And all of those reasons and more is exactly why I go to the gym anyway. Even when I don’t feel like it.

When I lack that drive throughout Christmas I have to take a step back and look at my expectations. No, I am probably not going to get in 5-6 workouts a week. But I can get in 4. 

No, I don’t want to give up sweets and potlucks and Christmas parties for my meal prepped food so I probably won’t see the same progress as I was the rest of the year. But the days and times I’m not eating at one of these events I can eat whole foods, lean protein sources, and manage my portions better.

The holidays aren’t any different than any other time of year, it just feels different because the events are usually larger. There are always birthday celebrations, concerts, or events that you go to every single month. We shouldn’t treat those any differently than we do the holidays.

As we ramp up this last week of Christmas-y things, change your mindset around your expectations and bring yourself back to your why. Maybe you even ditch the goals for the rest of the year and get a head start on New Years goals and create vision boards and write down lists. That always helps me when I’m in a slump. Sometimes you just need something new to grab at. 

You don’t need to be losing weight right now.

You don’t need to be crushing PR’s in the gym.

You can simply maintain where you’re at through the holiday season with a little extra grace thrown your own way and then you can get back to it in January.

Feeling guilty and being down on yourself won’t help you.

I hope you all enjoy your celebrations and if you ever need anything make sure to keep up with me on everything @laurentaylorslifestyle !