We have hit the equinox. Nights longer than days and this is where things start to get a little tricky.. As if they weren't hard enough it's going to be dark for most of the time we are out of work.
This brings a fresh challenge. How to stay motivated and on track when the weather and the light just aren't on our side?
This all boils down to habit and goals. We can explore both of these in more detail but first let's make sure we have the foundations.
You are the sum of your actions and you are where you are today because of that. To some that may sting and to others they will beam with pride. The essence is true for both. If you don't like what you're seeing in the mirror it's down to tiny actions mounting up to huge effect and this is the foundation of habit building. You create habits off of action.
Goal Setting
The absolute critical first step is the want to change. Need has nothing to do with it. Plenty of people need to quit something but won't because they don't have the want. You will never change a habit unless you want to.
Behaviour = Motivation
Ability
Prompt
= Behaviour change
You have to have the motivation to want to change the behaviour. The ability to do something about that behaviour and the constant reminder / nudge to change it.
What's this got to do with longer nights? Well everything. Looking at yourself and wanting to change isn't enough, it's your actions. So if you want to see a difference then use that spark of motivation to ignite the start of the habit.
Habit
Creating the habit comes from a sense of direction. What would you like to achieve? Is it to look better in the mirror? Or be able to keep up with the kids without being out of breath so much? Whatever the end result the habit it the building block.
It may look like this;
Goal - Fit into my old clothes and have more energy
Habits:
2ltrs of water per day
Resistance training 3 times per week for 30 minutes
Walk 10,000 steps per day
Performing those actions once won't do anything, performing them over and over will end up with the goal you're looking for.
What's this got to do with the nights being longer? Remember your goal, remember the reason why you want the outcome and then put in place the healthy habits to enable the goal. Long nights won't stop you if your habits are in place.
We offer Small Group Personal Training, 1-1 coaching and bootcamps from our studio in Whitchurch, Hampshire.
If you have any questions about habit forming or goal setting we are happy to help.
Thanks
AorA
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