Motivation

Happy Sunday, SoulShiners!!! I hope that you’re having a great weekend! As some of you know, I signed up for Covered Bridges Half Marathon again this year. I’ve run this half many times but this year is different (along with almost everything else). It’s a virtual race - no spectators, bands, water stops or other runners. When I set out to run a training 10 early yesterday morning, I had in the back of my mind that if I felt good at mile 6, I would go for the gold and get that 13.2 in. Which is exactly what happened.

Problem is - no spectators, bands, water stops, other runners or beer at the finish line. Here’s the thing, I am intrinsically motivated with most things. I believe in my physical ability, I can totally get back on track after having a bad day and I know that I CAN do whatever I put my mind to - burpees alllll day long. BUT with running, I lack self-efficacy - the belief in my ability to succeed. Running is hard work and racing without cheering is even harder for me.

So here’s what I did. I texted my husband and my friend, Kim, to let them know that I was going for it. Three words - going for it. That’s it and guess what? At about mile 8 they showed up for me. Jason, Kim, and Kim’s daughter, Elliza. They brought water and smiles and cheers! My heart filled, my legs felt lighter and I continued on, full of extrinsic motivation. Kim and Elliza stayed with me for the remainder of my race, driving and waiting at each mile with water and love, until I crossed the finish line. Elliza even held my hand and ran for the last bit. It was AMAZING and I am so thankful to Jas, Burlsy and Julliza!!!

What motivates you and how do you sustain that motivation? Does your motivation come from inside of you? Do you do it for the joy and personal fulfillment that you get from it....OR....does your motivation come from external factors such as rewards and/or praise? You may operate on a continuum between both. If you're more intrinsically motivated, you will typically give more effort, be more persistent, have higher levels of concentration, and perform better doing whatever it is that you're doing.

Take a minute to think about your motivation and your goals. What do you want to achieve? What can I do to help you get there? One thing to really keep in mind is that change is hard. It takes determination. It takes believing in yourself. It sometimes takes a team of like-minded people to keep you on track. When you're knee deep in a full on burpee sesh or a long run or a hill climb on a bike or a new hike or a two minute plank, what will keep you going?

Hopefully it will be that strong and steadfast voice inside of your head telling you that you CAN do it, that you were made to do it. Find that voice, stand tall, breathe, and then go and rock out your shit. I know you can and if you’re feeling like you need support, please ask for it. Go, Team SoulShine!!!!!

Here's our virtual SoulShine Schedule for this week. Please sign up now.

Monday - HIIT - 8:15-9:15 am

Tuesday - HIIT Yoga Fusion - 8:15-9:15 am

Thursday - PiYo - 8:15-9:15 am

Friday - HIIT - 8:15-9:15 am

XO and HUGE LOVE,

Jode