Blog Post
How do I motivate myself to get things done?
Laura Arbuckle • Nov 01, 2019
I haven't written a swimming-based blog for a while, so I think we are overdue one! I'm really struggling to motivate myself to go swimming at the moment. I know it's good for me but right now, I just can’t get excited about it. Maybe it’s the darker evenings? Whatever the reason, I need to try and give myself reasons to get in the pool.
What happens if I don’t get it done?
I constantly try and remind myself about the impact of not going swimming. My job is mostly office based and whilst I'm often out walking Bailey at lunchtime, I still need another way to keep active. My enthusiasm for swimming may be low at the moment but it's still much higher than my eagerness to do any running, especially now that the evenings are darker and colder!
What positives can I take from it?
When you start to lose the motivation for a task of any kind, it’s good to take a step back and look for the positives in a situation. As a member of the local swimming club, I go swimming at designated times with a group of likeminded swimmers. It’s not just exercise, it’s a chance to meet up with friends and be sociable as well. I also know that I will feel great after finishing my swim so I try and focus on that feeling to keep me going.
It also doesn’t hurt that I pay to be a member of the swimming club either. Paying for something always makes you value it more! It certainly doesn’t make sense for me to pay to be a member and then not swim.
By using the local facilities, I am also playing a small part in keeping the pool open and available to the local community. The local council are trying to make cutbacks and are looking to make savings on their leisure provision at the moment. The busier the pool, the easier it will be to justify keeping it open.
Have I made a plan?
I always make sure I have a plan in place before I turn up to training. It’s much easier to work through a set of shorter swims than to just get in and just swim for a set time or distance. I have a booklet that I keep in my swimming bag, so I’ve always got something to hand. If you are looking for to plan a swim for yourself, you can download something off the Speedo website here
or download my favourite swim set here!
Despite being an accountant, I find that I quickly lose count of how many lengths I’ve swum. By planning in advance, I don’t even need to count to more than a handful of lengths at a time and I still know how far I’ve swim. The big challenge is converting my 25m sets to a 20m pool!
Have I set any goals?
It’s always a good idea to set yourself some goals as well. I think one of the reasons I have lost my motivation a little this year is because I haven’t participated in any races. This is partly because one of my favourite events (the Great Scottish Swim) was cancelled this year but I could have found a different event to take part in.
Next year I am considering the River Spey 10k Whisky Swim, which is twice the distance I have swum before. Entering the swim now would force me to get in training and might just bring some of my motivation back.
What is my reward?
At the end of my swim I am always looking forward to relaxing with a snack of some kind – I feel like I’ve earned it. After a Friday night swim, I often have a glass of wine as well. It’s a good idea to reward yourself for completing a task that you didn’t really want to do. It certainly helps to keep my momentum going and makes me more inclined to repeat the task if I need to.
How do I make myself accountable?
My swimming session often coincides with that of my children, so I know that if I don’t go or show the right attitude, it sets a bad example to them. Sharing my commitment with other people also helps to create motivation to keep me on track.
Anything else?
If you do find yourself procrastinating over something, prioritise it! Just tackle it head on and get it done and out of the way so that you can move onto something that interests you more.
Of course, all these motivation techniques work for me if I am feeling demotivated at work as well. To recap, if you find yourself demotivated:
- Remind yourself why you are doing it
- Look for the positives
- Make a plan
- Set some goals
- Give yourself a reward on completion
- Tell people that you are going to do it and keep yourself accountable
- Just get it done!
If it’s your accounts or tax return you’re procrastinating over, there is one further option! Click one of the buttons below to delegate the process instead!
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