Lost motivation

[Porio]

I'm not sure if this is the correct thread, but here we go.

I've just completed my first challenge a couple of weeks ago. And experienced really good results. But in all honesty. I slacked off a little be during the last 2 weeks of it. And ever since finishing it. I've yet to get really started on my second challenge. I have been working out during that time. Just not as often. I've been trying to get my upper and lower body workouts in. So I don't think I've missed a beat workout ways. I have been skipping my cardio workouts though. Also haven't been eating all that well either. And I've been going out at nights lately. Which has been throwing off my schedules.

Anyways. I'm just as willing to complete a 2nd challenge. I guess I'm lacking a bit of motivation. And I could say I'm happy the way I am. But I kinda want more a well. So I have no reasoning to do another one, you could say. Which hasn't triggered any motivation. I just need that one booster to get me really going again. So I can just fall right back into the routine.

Anybody have any advice, or tricks that could help out?

Thanks ahead of time

[Chris]

I think you're hitting one of the problems with BFL... The 12 week challenge is pretty grueling if done "correctly". It's designed to whip you into the best shape of your life... and that doesn't come easy. Many of us experience bouts of over training injuries, loss of enthusiasm, burn out, etc. But the key to staying on track is... well, I don't know, because it keeps happening to me too. And the challenge is what do I do now that the challenge is over? Bill kinda leaves us hanging at 12 weeks....

My wife and I are workout buddies. That helps a lot. We'll be on strong for a while and then off for a while. Things that help me include this board, reading muscle magazines, hanging around other people who workout, at least going to the gym (even if I only give it 1/2 effort).

Whatever it takes to get you going again, do that. You're right at the edge between throwing away all your hard work and continuing on to greatness. Which are you going to choose? Maybe you need another challenge to try? There are a lot of "fitness challenges" out there and many start this time of year. Heck do BFL again, but this time plan to enter the contest. Come on buddy, you can do it!

I think just by posting your frustration, you might see things turn around for you....

[arcticmonkey]

I know what you mean...it is hard to stick to what is in many ways a very counterculture lifestyle, especially when you aren't fighting for your life in terms of health. I mean, you say you feel alright about the way you look, and I am guessing that you aren't fighting off Diabetes type 2 or trying to lower your cholesterol. So, where's the driving force?

I think that you should engage in some kind of other fitness goal that BFL workouts/diet will help you reach - whether it be team sports, a race, taking up a new sport (boxing, anyone?) That way, BFL will be a means to a (hopefully fun) end, and not an end in itself. I think the need to "do something" with an exceptionally fit body is one of the major reasons for the rise of fitness competitions.

In the words of some guy at the gym: hey, what are you training for anyway?

[statona]

You guys hit it right on - I HAVE TO have a goal. If not, I fail at all of this miserably... the BFL idea is to teach you the proper way of eating and working out - and as Chris said, to apply it to your daily life.

I have decided the one way for me to stay consistently fit is to identify goals - but also to now apply the principles of the eating plan - modified if you need to - but to apply them in your other goals as you go forward.

The first time I did BFL - I did it and moved on - I have adopted it as a way of eating through and through. Bill is coming out with a new book - called Transformation - and I think its the pick up of where BFL left off.

I have been on the transformation site as well - great people, great motivators in the big picture way. There is not as much practical day to day kind of question and answers - but the people dictate the mentality of the forum - and that seems to be where its going.

[Porio]

Thanks a lot guys. Your advice is really helpful. I don't plan to give up. I WON'T give up! I've also went ahead and signed up for BFL Canada, Chris. So theres a little extra motivation.

arcticmonkey. You're absolutely right. I used to play competitive football. And last year was the first time I didn't play. I miss it greatly as well. I would love to play again this year. But time is something I don't have anymore with work. Especially with football being so time consuming with practises and games. But perhaps I should find a sport that I could play, but not as time consuming.

[Chris]

Here's a link to an old post of mine: Making time.. a post for newbies...

I hope it helps...

[gnash]

Hey Porio..

People lose motivation after weight loss because their lizard brain wants to take them back to the pre-BFL body weight..65% of them will regain the lost weight in 1-2 years if they let themselves...ask Statona how determined you have to be to keep it off..He's the role model for conditioning the lizard brain to accept the new you..It can be done ...

gnash

[arcticmonkey]

sigh, I should practice what I preach as well...I am in the 10th week of my first challenge, and while I haven't missed a workout *hurrah!* I am starting to slip on the meals a bit. I never really set goals (didn't even take starting pictures) and if it weren't for other peoples' observations, I would be wont to imagine that nothing has changed (I know it has, but sloooowly.)
Having an additional fitness goal would definitely help - I am going to incorporate that into my next challenge.

[bluexj]

Originally Posted by arcticmonkey

sigh, I should practice what I preach as well...I am in the 10th week of my first challenge, and while I haven't missed a workout *hurrah!* I am starting to slip on the meals a bit. I never really set goals (didn't even take starting pictures) and if it weren't for other peoples' observations, I would be wont to imagine that nothing has changed (I know it has, but sloooowly.)
Having an additional fitness goal would definitely help - I am going to incorporate that into my next challenge.

I think the planning/blogging/goal setting aspect of BFL is important. My wife and are constantly talking about our goals which help us to focus on them. It's great that you haven't missed a workout but those workouts will mean a lot more if you have the vision of where you want them to take you. It seems make me wanna push even harder.....

[Chris]

Yeah, DO NOT SKIP the mental stuff. If you want to sustain this change for the long haul it's an absolute necessity... even though much of it is pretty cheesy, still do it.

[statona]

Right on chris - its the mental aspect that Bill is developing his new book for. Its obvious eh nailed the physical transformation - its now about the mental aspects of doing so.