The Fires That Be

Finding the motivation that lights fires under our butts! Credit: Breckles

I can no longer call myself a fitness newbie. I’ve been working out consistently for years now. It’s become one of those healthy habits that is embedded in my daily routines. You know you’re living a healthy lifestyle when you have to think of new workouts and ways to get out and move to keep things fresh because you’ve been in the game for a hot minute. The thought of quitting never enters your mind, but you know you’re bored as heck and need a new jolt. I’ve written about the boredom. It happens.

Some things in our fitness lives will remain the same. You can expect slower, sloth-like mentalities to pop up. We all have them. What sets us apart from those who stop moving are the motivations for moving. I was naive to think I had one fire; one motivating factor for working out and it needed to be noble and legit. The truth is my motivation for moving changes just as often as my gym socks. The proverbial fires that have kept me up and moving have changed so much over the years. Heck, I have different sparks weekly that help me through the week.

My health, stomach issues, a work challenge, spousal support, friend support, sanity, clarity, aesthetic reasons, muscle growth … you name the fire, and I’ve had it. My fires are constantly shifting. Normally this would scare me, but at the end of the day all the motivators lead to the same road: a good workout. Some fires are hotter and higher than others, but they all burn bright enough to keep me consistent in being fit.

I’ve learned it’s all about the creativity you bring to the table. You have to pay attention to what drives you. You have to keep searching for the goals that light fires under your butt. I’ve learned that it’s okay that they change. I figure as long as you have them, you’re good.

What about you? Do your motivations change like the seasons? What fires are pushing you to keep it moving this week? — Tish