What To Do When You Feel Discouraged About Your Fitness Progress
Your fitness journey isn’t perfect. We often think that to make progress and achieve the physique we dream of, we need to be perfectly consistent with our efforts. The truth? Your journey will have UPS AND DOWNS.
Life can get in the way when you least expect it to. Obligations, a physical injury, personal problems, and more. You name it. But the most important aspect of your journey is adaptability. It’s being able and willing to change your plans and strategies to MAKE IT WORK TO YOUR ADVANTAGE.
In this article, we’re diving into the topic of discouragement. Maybe you’re not content with the way you’re progressing. Perhaps you’ve entered a weight-loss plateau or you’re comparing your current results with the accomplishments of other women.
Here’s how to overcome discouragement as an aspiring or current professional cheerleader. Keep reading.
Don’t believe everything you think.
Controlling your thoughts is the first step to avoiding and overcoming discouragement. Instead of immediately accepting what your mind throws at you, OBSERVE IT.
Do a reality check. Ask, “Is this thought actually true? Or is it just the result of a lack of sleep or physical exhaustion?” “What is another way to look at this situation?” Challenge those negative thoughts.
Stop being a fitness perfectionist.
It’s great to set high goals for yourself. After all, high goals push you to give your very best. What’s not great is when you punish yourself for minor setbacks — such as not being able to do your scheduled workout or perform the perfect push-up.
Starting today, promise to be KINDER TO YOURSELF. Each time you experience a setback, speak to yourself positively. What would you say to a best friend who’s going through a rough time? That’s what you’re going to tell yourself too.
Focus on one goal at a time.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make in fitness is setting too many goals at a time. Because of that, they do too many things — which could lead to overwhelm and discouragement. Maybe you want to cut out sugar, do HIIT workouts, improve your flexibility for higher kicks, and sleep for 8 hours at night. Girl, let me tell you that you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Here’s what you should do instead: Pick one goal to focus on for a couple of weeks or months. That goal should be of high priority. Once you crush that goal or reach a point where you know that you can realistically chase another goal, do that.
Play the LONG GAME.
Playing the long game is extremely important in fitness. Lasting changes, such as a well-defined abs or toned arms, need time. Ask any professional trainer and athlete, and they will tell you that it took them YEARS to achieve what they have now.
Got a dream body in mind? Do what you can do every single day. If you feel tired, stop and rest. Enjoy the scenery. Have fun once in a while. Savor those cheat days. But never give up.
Final Thoughts
I hope these tips will help you overcome discouragement — if you’re ever feeling it right now. I also leave you with a very important reminder: Don’t obsess over the scale. The number on the scale changes from time to time for several biological reasons. Take progress pictures instead. They’re much more reliable. More importantly, feel good about yourself! You may not realize it, but you’re making progress.
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