How to Get Motivated

I recently saw a post on LinkedIn about an Olympian who just graduated from college, and frankly was awestruck. The amount of dedication and discipline it takes to train, and to compound that with the mental and physical toll of pursuing a degree is kind of unbelievable.

So what makes these startling overachievers tick? How do they push themselves to the limits of human excellence?

With a schedule as packed as a student-athlete or an Olympian, staying motivated is crucial not only to be happy but to continue on at all.

Part of what spurs these athletes on is the what the activity means to them and their family. So, to stay motivated, remember what you’ve put in already to succeed, and remember what it means to you and your loved ones. Rationalize the importance of the activity. Do you run track because you love it? Is it because you need to live a healthier lifestyle? Is it because your parents have invested in your coaches and you truly want to succeed? Another way to stay motivated is to learn to love the grind, as The Atlantic puts it. The frustration and difficulty of training is something you must welcome. Finally, find a routine. Before each practice, remind yourself why you’re here. Then, push yourself to excel.