Comments on: How to Motivate Yourself: 9 Steps from Doubt to Doing

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 10:23:10 +0000

In reply to Nick.

Thank you, Nick, for this great comment. Congratulations with all that you have accomplished in these last seven months with your hard work and sticking to it. Really impressed with your commitment and so glad that you’ve kept at it — the beginning is the most difficult, but forcing yourself to do it for a while makes it into a habit or routine. Also, signing up for a race is a good way to motivate. Your comment reminded me that I think it’s time for me to sign up for a half-marathon in the fall as I feel like I’ve lost a bit of that motivation in my running lately and am not going for as many long runs as I did when training. Good luck with your race today!!!

By: Nick

Nick — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:27:18 +0000

Beautiful post Audrey, thanks for sending it to me 🙂
I saw myself in the mirror whilst reading it, especially the last year has been almost like that. I always played team sports (football/soccer) and because of my job that involves a lot of traveling (which I love) I had to quit it. I’ve never been a big fan of individual sports (like running and swimming) and the sports doctors always told me that I would have had difficulties on doing long distance runs, because of my bad pace. But I knew that with training and especially mental focus all can be possible. It was not easy at the beginning, being used to have always team mates around me it was really difficult to train solo, and that’s why I sometimes wanted to give up, it was really boring. But after one month of literally forcing myself to do it, and as well signing up for a race to have a goal and keep me motivated, I reached the point where I feel really good and positive after a run and I cannot wait for the next one to arrive. Also, loosing almost 17Kg in 7 months helped me to find my balance and especially health condition again, and it makes everything in my daily life more easy! 🙂

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 09:29:04 +0000

@Michelle: Although this article used the example of running, you can replace that with whatever it is that you think you cannot do or fear doing. How can you know if you hate something if you’ve never really tried it?

I do agree that speedwalking is a great health benefit!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 01:19:38 +0000

I’ve actually never understood why people feel the need to run 🙂

It’s part of that mentality of ‘it must hurt you to have a benefit’, when that’s not true at all.

I’ve never been a runner, but can speedwalk for 10 miles or more a day. It’s honestly much better for you than running as running is torturous on your knees and joints and will impact your ability to walk as you get older.

I’d say don’t force yourself to do something you hate 🙂

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 05:52:43 +0000

@Anna: Thanks for your comment and sharing this inspiring story. Congratulations on persevering through the 28k trail run and how you kept going through the ITB flare up. I don’t know that pain firsthand (fortunately), but Dan had ITB problems leading up to the Prague marathon he ran years ago and I remember how painful that was for him.

And yes, although this article is mostly about running, the principles of routine and commitment apply to almost anything in life. Good luck on your next race!

By: Anna McPherson

Anna McPherson — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 16:44:14 +0000

Hi Audrey
I’ve been a yoga nut for almost ten years, as I’ve had many niggles from running in the past, with last year being no exception. My partner recently completed his first 100k ultra, which was super inspiring. After time off, I was determined to defeat the niggles, seeking treatment and sticking to set rehab plans. I set my sights on a 28k trail run in mid-Jan (yeah it was hard being relatively quiet over the festive season!) – I made it 🙂 – The last 4k was horrendous with an ITB flare up – almost didn’t think I’d make it at one point, the pain was unbearable. But, no, there was no giving up. Two days afterwards, I was like ‘yeah, i’m doing that again’. It’s getting into routine, believing in yourself (and this applies to anything, yes, even blogging), and just doing it. Thanks for a great post, it’s a great reminder to many of us!

By: Adam @ Round the World we go

Adam @ Round the World we go — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 10:56:14 +0000

very motivating.. now to do everything I’ve been putting off! 🙂

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 13:08:44 +0000

@Julie: Know those excuses quite well 🙂 Hope this article motivates you to go beyond them and get out there. Good luck!

By: Julie Danes

Julie Danes — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 09:52:28 +0000

I always have these lame excuses, like: I have to get up too early, I have to buy the proper sport gear, actually do the whole running thing…:) Your article is very inspiring and I thank you for taking the time to write it and share with us some of your insights.

By: Sussan Morris

Sussan Morris — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:46:02 +0000

Hi, trying real hard there Scott! Thanks for your wishes..:)