The 3 Words That Are Killing Your Motivation
Motivation is a tricky thing. It can be your biggest motivator—or your biggest demotivator. And sometimes, we don’t even realize that we’re sabotaging ourselves.
What if I told you that three simple words could be standing in the way of your fitness success?
These three words are so small yet so powerful that they have the potential to derail your entire fitness journey before it even begins.
So, what are these words?
“I have to.”
That’s right.
“I have to wake up early.” “I have to work out.” “I have to eat healthy.” “I have to push myself today.”
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? But let me ask you this: When you say “I have to,” does it feel exciting? Empowering? Motivating?
Nope. In fact, it feels like a chore. It feels heavy, like an obligation—and it makes you want to quit before you even start.
But here’s the thing: This is totally avoidable. And the solution is simple.
The Power of Changing “I Have To” to “I Get To”
What if I told you that the secret to breaking through your motivation barrier was simply changing those three words?
Instead of saying “I have to,” say “I get to.”
“I get to wake up early and start my day strong.” “I get to work out and feel my body getting stronger.” “I get to eat healthy, fueling myself with the good stuff.” “I get to show up for myself today, and that’s a privilege.”
When you shift from “I have to” to “I get to” or even “I want to,” everything feels different.
Suddenly, the pressure is gone. You’re no longer forcing yourself to do something—you’re choosing to. And choosing feels empowering.
Why This Shift Makes All the Difference
This subtle change in language may sound small, but trust me—it can make a massive difference in your motivation and mindset.
Think about it: when you say “I have to,” you’re setting the tone that what you’re about to do is a burden, a task you’re obligated to complete. But when you say “I get to,” you’re focusing on the opportunity in front of you, the privilege of being able to make those choices.
When you focus on the positive side of the equation, suddenly it stops feeling like a task, and instead, it feels like a blessing.
This shift changes how you show up for yourself and your goals. It’s no longer about fighting your way through the day, but instead embracing the chance to show up and work towards your best self.
How to Make the Change Stick
Here’s your challenge for today: Catch yourself when you say “I have to,” and replace it with “I get to” or “I want to.”
It may seem small, but making this change will completely shift your mindset. And trust me, it’s an incredibly powerful way to start building long-term motivation.
The more you practice this shift, the more you’ll begin to feel empowered, energized, and excited to take on your fitness goals. Because when you make the choice to show up for yourself, it becomes an act of self-love.
You’re not forcing yourself to do something; you’re choosing to become the best version of yourself. And that’s a powerful thing.
Take Control of Your Fitness Journey
Remember, you are worth the effort, and you have the power to take control of your fitness journey. When you embrace this new way of thinking, you’ll find yourself looking forward to every step you take towards your goals.
Keep showing up for yourself, babe. You’ve got this.
