npda wrote:
This is a good question, and deserves a thoughtful discussion, not a "suck it up" response.
This happens to me sometimes too.
1) You have to determine for yourself what you think the reason is behind your failing motivation. For me, sometimes it's "all of this training isn't working anyway, I feel tired and slow, so I'll just take one day off, it doesn't matter." And then one day turns into two, etc. For some it might be that they aren't seeing their weight come down as they'd like, their times, their strength, whatever. Or, for others, it might just mean they simply aren't enjoying it anymore- the workouts are boring, or the masters' swim team isn't friendly, or the traffic on the road sucks when you're riding. So, what's the real reason behind you not getting out the door that day?
2) For me, the longer I stick with a routine the less likely I am to 'skip' a workout. And like you said, once you miss a workout it's easy to fall off the horse completely. So, I think there are a few ways to combat this. One, you set yourself up so you can't miss workouts. You could work with a coach, that will hold you more accountable. Another way is to join a running club, swim team, whatever and be so regular that when you don't show up everyone asks where you were. The other way to combat this, might be harder, but learn to let it go when you DO miss a workout. You can't make it up. It's over. Just forgive yourself and move on. Some people are better than others about this, because they just disconnect and don't make it emotional. It sounds like you make it emotional, as do I, and I'm sure many of us here too.
Final thought: maybe your exercise regimen is too much too soon. Maybe try planning something out that makes you hungry for more. Start with light, short workouts that make you feel refreshed, not tired and sore. Then gradually increase the workout length, frequency and intensity to the point where you are really tired, then back off a bit, then start the cycle again.
Good luck
First, thanks a lot for such a good response.
Though it might make me seem like a problem child, but let me list down the issues I am facing.
1. The reason of not making it up the next day is that my routine is really hectic. Full time job to manage, part time study and a full house to manage. I get so tired of all this mess that even though I enjoy my workouts, still at times I am so hell tired that I can't really make it.
2. Sleep deprivation may be another reason. Since I take my job, home and study all so seriously, I can't find time to sleep. And I think that's what makes me less motivated. But I can't help it. My sleep has to be this way, I have tried so much, but sleep....... it has to be compromised for all other good things in life.
3. It is not about being emotional or forgiving myself for the skipped day. Its like I use the day that I skipped as an 'excuse' to miss the next, and then the next. "Seriously, just skipping this one and I will start from tomorrow on!" and that tomorrow seems to be put off.