Why Motivation Isn’t Enough During the Holiday Season: The Power of Habits and Discipline
As the year winds down, the holiday season brings joy, indulgence, and—for many—a struggle to maintain fitness goals. Gyms typically see a drop in attendance during this time, with people promising themselves they’ll start fresh in January. But let’s be honest: waiting for motivation to strike is like waiting for the perfect holiday snowstorm—it might not come when you need it most.
Here’s the truth: motivation isn’t enough to keep you consistent, especially this time of year. What really matters is cultivating habits and discipline.
Why Motivation Fails You
Motivation feels great when it’s there. It’s that rush of energy when you decide to start a new fitness routine or set a goal. But motivation is also fleeting—it’s an emotion, and emotions are notoriously unreliable. During the holidays, motivation tends to wane because of:
Competing Priorities: Family gatherings, shopping, and holiday parties take up mental and physical energy.
Temptations Everywhere: Delicious food and drinks can derail your focus.
Seasonal Stress and Fatigue: Shorter days and increased obligations can leave you feeling drained, making a workout seem like a daunting task.
If you rely on motivation alone, you’ll likely find yourself skipping workouts or abandoning your fitness goals until the new year. That’s why you need a stronger foundation: habits and discipline.
Habits: The Secret to Consistency
Habits are actions you perform automatically, without needing to talk yourself into them. When fitness becomes a habit, it no longer requires motivation to get started. Here’s how you can build habits that stick:
Start Small: Commit to just 10 minutes of exercise a day. Start with a walk perhaps. Once it’s part of your routine, build on it.
Stack Habits: Link your workout to an existing habit. For example, if you make coffee every morning, use that time to do a short workout or stretch. Or as the kettle is boiling, get your gym kit ready so it’s prepared.
Set Triggers: Use reminders like laying out your workout clothes the night before or scheduling your gym sessions in your calendar.
Discipline: Your Backup When Motivation Fades
Discipline isn’t about being a drill sergeant with yourself—it’s about following through on your commitments, even when it’s hard. During the holiday season, discipline helps you prioritize what’s important to you, like staying active and feeling good.
How to Build Discipline:
Set Clear Goals: Know why you’re staying consistent. Is it to maintain your progress, reduce holiday stress, or simply feel better? Keep that reason front and center.
Make Non-Negotiables: Commit to a minimum standard, like three gym sessions per week, no matter what.
Use Accountability: Partner with a friend, join a class, or work with a trainer to keep you on track.
The Holidays Are the Perfect Time to Focus on Habits
Rather than seeing the holidays as a time to take a break from fitness, view them as an opportunity to lay the groundwork for long-term success. Habits and discipline, not fleeting motivation, will carry you through the busiest, most tempting times of the year. Plus, starting now gives you a head start on those January resolutions.
Take Action Today
At Gusto, we’re here to help you stay consistent this holiday season. Whether it’s through group classes, one-on-one training, or a supportive fitness community, we’re dedicated to helping you build the habits and discipline that lead to lasting results.
Let’s finish the year strong—together.
