Motivation and Consistency: My plan to complete all 90 days of P90X

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Why do so many people start a diet or exercise program only to stop 3-4 weeks into it?  Why are so many New Year’s Resolutions broken before we even reach February?  What is it about the human nature that we can start with so much enthusiasm, but eventually that excitement fades?

In my personal experience, I can relate completely with these dilemmas.  I started P90X at least 4 times, and never completed it.  In fact, I was never able to make it past week 4 or 5.  Why?  It sure wasn’t for lack of desire.  I had so much desire to get fit and lose the belly that I could literally feel it burning inside me.  I could work myself into a frenzy over it in no time.  So, if I had the desire, what was the problem?

For me, I think my failures were all due to consistency.  I did great on the diet and workout plans as long as I was “in the groove.”  But, as soon as the recovery week came and the workouts changed, I found ways to start making excuses.  “It’s ok if I skip today, it’s just Xstretch.”  And then, “It’s ok if I skip today too, it doesn’t matter, It’s just recovery week.”  But by that time, I was “out of the groove.”  The streak was over.

So what is different this time?  Well, after I identified where my issues were and where I was likely to fail, it was easy to come up with an action plan.

A few simple steps to keep me on track and “in the groove:”

1. I reworked my goals.  My goals prior were always something like “I want to lose 20 lbs and gain muscle.”  My new goal is more specific.  “I will do every P90X workout for the entire 90 days and I will limit my carbs at every meal.”  This new goal format gave me something I can focus on daily.  Getting my workouts done and getting my meals right.
2. I sought out support.  I started a thread on the Team Beachbody message boards looking for others who have started P90X, but not finished.  We all committed to support each other all the way to the end.  It is very powerful knowing that I have a group of people that are watching me.
3. Scheduled workouts.  I schedule all my workouts several days in advance.  They are in my calendar and I do not allow anything to interfere with them.  If something comes up with any of the kids, I just say that it will have to wait until after my workout.  I’m very firm about “my workout time.”  I’m available for my family any other time of the day, but not during my workout time.   Daddy has got to get his “X” on.

I hope these few tips might help you as you start.  As always,  If you have any questions or comments, just contact me.

Related posts:

1. Accountability: P90X Round 1, Day 27