Motivation Doesn't Happen By Accident

Staying motivated is the single hardest part of beginning a yoga practice or starting any health and fitness routine. Some days the effort feels effortless, other days rolling out your mat or lacing up your trainers feels like the straw that will break the camel's back. Motivation is always variable, but there are things you can do plug the gaps at allow your motivation. If you want more motivation in your life try incorporating these seven simple habits.

Dedicate a Space to Practice

Remaining still and confining yourself to a small a space is a guaranteed motivation suck. Eating, sleeping and entertaining yourself all from the bed or couch is a procrastinators paradise. Instead of confining all your activities to the same space, set aside a dedicated area to practice. If you have a small living space you’re going to have to do what the astronauts do and be meticulously organized.

Get Organized

Disorder is a huge de-motivator. Who wants to cook a healthy meal if it means cleaning the kitchen? Who wants to roll out their yoga mat if they have dirty laundry heaped in the corner. Set yourself up for success tomorrow by going the extra mile today.

Regular Sleep

Having an irregular sleep schedule will make it nearly impossible to stay motivated. It takes about three days to regulate your sleep. Keep your bedroom clean, cool, dark and free from distractions. It’s going to suck for a few days, but push through it.

Reward Yourself

Netflix, games, comics and social media provide a hit of dopamine for the low low investment of just staring at your screen. That can either distract you from practicing when you say you will or be a pleasant reward after you finish. Get into the habit of rewarding yourself with low-investment dopamine activities after your practice.

Focus on Your Own Growth

Everyone in the world is prettier, more talented and more successful than you. At least that’s how it can seem if you spend time scrolling on social media. Instead of looking for ‘inspiration’ on social media, focus on keeping track of your own growth. Take progress pictures. Track your practices or runs in a journal or app. Count your steps. Seeing your own progress is more inspiring than seeing anybody else's.

Achievable Goals

Nothing will hurt your motivation more than making an ill-planned half-hearted attempt and failing. Make small goals. Plan to run a mile before you run all six major world marathons. Set SMART goals (goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound).

Choose Your Friends

The people we interact with play a large role in how we see ourselves and the habits we develop. It’s hard to wake up early and pay attention to what you eat if all your friends are going out drinking. Be stingy with your time. If your social interactions are interfering with taking care of yourself, look for new social groups that support your journey.