The real secret to success to overcome stalled fitness progress in fitness and nutrition is building and maintaining momentum.
You might have read that statement and thought to yourself, ‘Ugh, not another article about habits and momentum… when’s she going to spill the tea on cutting carbs or the magic of macros?’
Well, brace yourself, because today we’re celebrating the underrated superstar: boring momentum!
Now, I know, I know, ‘boring’ isn’t the sexy, shiny object we all chase. But here’s the truth bomb: it’s often the simple, ‘boring’ habits that make the BIGGEST difference in our health journeys. If ‘boring’ equals results, why the heck are we not all over it like white on rice (whole grain rice, of course :)?
Because, believe it or not, that hunt for the next ‘exciting’ diet fad or ‘secret’ exercise routine might just be the very thing stalling your progress. Let’s embrace the power of steady momentum and make ‘boring’ the new sexy because afterall, without it, we might have stalled fitness progress!
Shiny Objects
Okay, admit it: how many times have you been sidetracked by that sparkling new diet trend on TikTok? Or tried that ‘life-changing’ workout routine your BFF swears she lost 10 pounds with in a week? And let’s not even talk about how your husband merely skips one dessert and magically drops 5 pounds. (Honestly, how?!)
Here’s a little secret: the health and fitness world is filled to the brim with ‘shiny objects’.
They glimmer, they promise, and they seduce us with quick fixes and dramatic tales of success. We start one, only to get distracted and drop it for the next. It’s like we’re on a never-ending merry-go-round of start-stop, start-stop.
Sound familiar?
But here’s the real tea: consistency trumps all those shiny objects. Every. Single. Time.
While it might seem ‘boring’ or ‘monotonous’, sticking with a plan and building upon it day after day, week after week, creates momentum.
And just like a snowball growing as it rolls down a hill, your results will compound. Before you know it, you’ve achieved what none of those ‘shiny objects’ could offer you: sustainable, genuine progress.
So, next time you’re tempted by that next glittering trend, ask yourself if it’ll outshine the radiant glow of real results. That momentum of changing tactics could be the #1 thing stopping you from the results you want. Remember, consistency might not always have the bling, but it certainly brings the bang!
Setbacks
We all have setbacks. It’s inevitable when embarking on a health journey. But the true victory is ensuring those setbacks don’t deter our progress and they happen less frequently.
Imagine you’re working on a fitness routine. Some days, you work out intensely, but then eat junk food right after. This pattern of taking a step forward and then a step backward can be frustrating and exhausting. But then, there are days where you manage to maintain a balanced diet after a good workout. Slowly, you see more of these days, building momentum.
In the world of fitness and nutrition, it’s more crucial to maintain this momentum than to focus on isolated events of success.
When I look at someone’s progress over the past year, if I see inconsistent patterns — they’re working hard one day, then taking it easy for several days — it’s clear that while they’re putting in the effort, they might not be getting the results they desire due to lack of momentum.
Here’s how to address this:
1. Reflect on Progress Made
While looking ahead to the outcomes you want is essential, it’s equally important to look back and appreciate how far you’ve come.
Remembering those small victories, like choosing a salad over fast food or pushing through a tough workout, provides the energy and enthusiasm to keep going. It’s like what Dan Sullivan mentions in “The Gap and the Gain“; focus on the “gain” by recognizing the growth you’ve already made.
Every night, before I go to sleep, I ask myself, “What did I do today to improve my health?” It might be as simple as drinking more water or trying a new vegetable. Celebrate these small accomplishments.
2. Stick to What Works
In the realm of health and fitness, it’s easy to get lured by the latest diet or workout trend. But what’s most important is consistency. If a particular exercise or diet works for you, stick to it until it doesn’t.
The problem most people run into is that they don’t give it enough time to see it work. When we look for big results fast, we keep circling the “fad” wagon, and that can continue to wreck not just your metabolism but your momentum.
A change to your life, requires changing your life. Not for 30 days. But .. for life.
For instance, you might find that strength training increased your confidence and decreased your clothing size and that makes you feel great. However, hearing about high-intensity interval training (HIIT), you might be tempted to switch. While it’s okay to explore, remember not to abandon what’s already working for you.
3. Seek Support
Maybe you started a particular diet and saw great results. But after a while, it gets monotonous, and you’re tempted to revert to old habits. This is where friends, family, or fitness buddies come in.
If your circle doesn’t include anyone who is on a similar journey, the constant temptations of a couch and a box of cookies might be tough to pass up when it surrounds you regularly.
Having someone who keeps you accountable, offers advice, or even joins you in your journey can be a game-changer.
4. Maintain the Momentum
Momentum is the most potent force in any journey, be it in business, school, finances (compound interest anyone?), fitness, or any other aspect of life. The lessons from books talking about habits, gradual progress, and small gains all point towards the power of momentum. (Atomic Habits is another great read) Recognizing and celebrating your progress will fuel this momentum, ensuring you stay on the path of health and well-being.
FREE Resources
If you want me to send you a list of my top 10 most boring habits to start with, shoot me an email with the subject line “SNOOZE FEST” to jennifer@northglennhf.com and I’ll send it on over!
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