The Loneliness of the Long Distance Exerciser 2 – Nudges

Motivational Nudges to Get Going

From Stephen, on the Rat Race Trap blog -

So how can you start each day with a brain growth boosting routine?  Get up in the morning and eat a cup of blueberries and take an Ibuprofen.  Then do cardiovascular exercise for at least 30 minutes.  The synergistic effect of doing this together will increase your results.  When you are done exercising, meditate for 25 minutes.  Follow that with a low calorie breakfast and have a cup of decaffeinated green tea.

No argument here.  Good ideas; it’s that part about the 30 minutes of exercise that many of us stumble on.

So how do you motivate yourself to get moving?

There is a story about an Australian ultrathon champion.  In an interview, he was asked the toughest, most difficult part of his training routine.  His answer was simple -

“Getting on me shorts and getting out the door.”

Isn’t that always the tough part?  Getting going?

What is the Nudge that gets you moving?   What’s the motivation when the motivation isn’t there?

Nudges are the little things you can do that gently move you in your valued direction? What are yours?  Here are a few that seem to work –

Make It Convenient

If, like our Australian friend, your obstacle really is getting out the door, prepare ahead of time.  Have whatever equipment you need by the door or somewhere that you can’t miss them.  Then keep yourself from just stepping over them.

Do It First

I have to work out in the morning, whether it is walking, lifting weights, or whatever.  If I get ready to work, and get involved in something else, every minute or hour that goes by makes it less likely that I will follow through.

Drink A Cup of Coffee

If coffee doesn’t affect you adversely, it can be a great motivator for getting going.  There is also evidence that coffee will help you work out longer and it can also reduce pain.

Coffee + Exercise – Pain = Fitness Success

Tao of Caffeine — Caffeine as Productivity Tool

Time is Short? Do a Short Routine

It’s just to easy to convince yourself that you don’t have time.  And also to regret it later.  There is no rule in doing a 10-15 minute workout – a short walk, simple yoga routines, or some resistance work with exercise bands.

Social Media Support

Here is one from the Nudge Blog

This fitness trainer has come up with a creative commitment strategy to help him stay healthy.

But there’s one tool that helps me stick to my diet, and that is social support and public accountability. I use a free web site called twitter, where I tell the world what I had for every meal.

And since I’m an expert that folks look to for help, I have an incentive not to cheat.

Announce your intentions to the world.  Ask for the support you need.

You have the resources and creativity to do this.  Your brain will thank you.

So, what nudges do you use?

Your turn.

Mike

Photo via h.koppdelaney’s photostream