Why Consistency Is A More Effective Tool Than Motivation
When you want to achieve a goal such as fat loss, muscle building, or body recomposition, it’s natural to assume that motivation will drive you to the finish line. After all, getting down to the gym before work and sticking to a controlled diet does take plenty of willpower. However, what really drives results is consistency.
Here’s a look at the difference between motivation and consistency, and how having someone to keep you accountable, such as an online fitness coach, can help you to stay on track.
Motivation fluctuates over time
Motivation can be useful to prompt you to make a change in the first place, but it’s impossible to maintain that fresh sense of purpose over time. Motivation fluctuates according to mood, energy levels, how well you slept, whatever is going on in the rest of your life: basically, the things no one is 100% in control of all the time.
When you’ve had a stressful day with the kids or there’s a big work deadline looming, healthy eating and exercise can be put on the backburner. Motivation is emotion-led, and there will inevitably be times when you just want to eat comfort food in front of the TV.
Consistency sets you up for success
Consistency is your fall back system that provides you with the mental handholds to carry on, even if your willpower is waning. It’s about sticking to a structured workout routine and eating plan even when you are tired and craving a sugar hit.
It takes away the temptation to make emotion-driven decisions because your routine is supported by a carefully designed training plan. All you have to do is check your plan and follow it, rather than hope that a bolt of motivation will strike you just in the nick of time.
How to stay consistent
Don’t go it alone
Having someone to keep you accountable can be a huge help in maintaining a consistent approach. A workout buddy or online personal trainer is ideal: pick someone who will be supportive and be prepared to give you a nudge if necessary, but won’t pile on the pressure or be nagging and judgemental.
Devise structured training plans
If you know exactly what you need to do when you show up for your training session, it’s a lot easier. A whole set of decisions is already made for you, and what’s more they are the right ones to keep you working towards your goals. This can help you to keep going even on days when mood or energy levels are low.
Plan meals in advance
Plan your week’s meals in advance, focusing on macronutrients that will keep you feeling full and give you the energy to power through workouts. Try batch cooking at the weekend if cooking from scratch is too time-intensive during the week. Don’t be tempted to cut out meals in an effort to lose weight, as this will just lead to energy crashes and binge eating.