New resolutions are now beginning to end or people have already decided to give up. But like anything in life, if it is worth doing then don’t give up.

New resolutions are now beginning to end or people have already decided to give up. But like anything in life, if it is worth doing then don’t give up.

When you are lacking motivation and wondering whether to give up, ask yourself one question WHY DID I START?

This is a very important question when questioning whether to give up. I find when I am struggling, I use this question and quite a few things pop into my mind. For example, I enjoy it and it’s a hobby I love doing, I love the buzz and during races, to be the best I can. I love having a healthy lifestyle. These are just somethings that come into my mind.

One of the most important rules for me is get out the door when I am not feeling it. It’s every easy to get into a routine of skipping a session and before you know it 1 becomes 2 and keeps rising. So I always find getting out the door is the hurdle to get over.

I go by the 10 minute rule; some days are tough but I find that when I do go out for 10 minutes I stay out longer and they tend to be the best sessions and they make you feel good afterwards. Of course if you are still not feeling it after 10 minutes then just stop, but I guarantee you end up staying out longer. But remember why you are doing this and why you started your hobby in the first place.

A sound mind will give you a sound body and I have found exercising more important then ever for me. My mental health has suffered over the past two years and although I am a positive person, I sometimes have to put a happy face on to please people. But it’s fine not to be ok, but what I have found is that my training has got me through these hard times and helped me not give up.

Of course exercise has so many benefits not only to your mental health but your wellbeing, health etc so not giving up has benefits. When motivation is low, set small goals to achieve like I want to run a mile as fast as I can and set a date for it. Bigger goals are the way forward so set a timeframe for them so you can train and try to achieve them will help with motivation.

When motivation is tough and you are thinking of quitting, remember why you started and just get out as that will help to keep you in the game. Once you stop and miss a few days then it’s easier to stop and hard to get back into it. Reflecting on the good times or what you have achieved since you started, go a long way to helping that motivation stay.

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Yiannis Christodoulou

NHS Performance analyst from Canterbury

Age group: 40-44
Club: Canterbury Harriers, Ashford Triathlon Club, GB Age group team, Age group 2017 Aquathlon team captain
Coach: My self in running Level 2 coach in running fitness, Craig Coggle Strength coach, John Wood Swimming coach

MY DISCIPLINES
10k trail half marathon swim-run Strength Training marathon
olympic distance triathlon

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