No one is motivated to train all the time. Ask any athlete and the issue of "motivation or the lack of it" is something that everyone faces consistently. The common characteristic among most top athletes is positivity and a single-minded selfishness toward a set goal. Professional athletes tend to be focused, goal-oriented individuals and borderline obsessives. But being motivated at all times is something that all of them definitely are not, and it is an obstacle that presents itself many times in their training lives. They have to deal with it in the same way you do!
Whether they are motivated or not, they get the job done. The very term “motivation” is often used as a cop-out. It can become the rationalisation and the justification you need to cease setting goals and the processes behind reaching them if you are prepared to allow it to.
There is no secret formula; you can use these time-tested tips:
Accept that a lack of motivation is normal, but refuse to accept that it will derail your drive and your goals.
Keep it simple. Triathletes have a tendency to over-complicate things. Training programmes and routine are important, but training in a social environment makes life easier.
Manage your time! The biggest issue in people’s fight for motivation is that they try to cram too much into a tight time period, and the hassle of it takes away the enjoyment. Better time-management skills and better planning with realistic training time frames will ensure that burnout and de-motivation are less likely.
Understand how rest affects routines. When you’re getting your rest, it always seems easier for your body to fall into a good training routine. And when a routine becomes a sound foundation for your life, it is easier to keep the motivation high. This ties into the planning process.
Be process-driven, not always goal-driven. Goals, when set, can be lofty and at times far away. For this reason it’s important to identify what the goal is—but even more important to know the process you have put in place to reach that goal. The process is the most important, and understanding how it relates to the bigger picture helps you remain in control of the journey.
