How to Find Your Motivation and Crush Your Goals
- Ashley Marie
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 28
You’ve probably seen the quote: In two weeks, you’ll feel it. In four weeks, you’ll see it. In eight weeks, you’ll hear it. It’s true—but only if you stay consistent. Motivation isn’t always there. That’s when discipline has to step in. You’ll either feel the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The choice is yours.
If you’ve been struggling to stay on track with your health, fitness, or personal goals, you’re not alone. I'm not successful in fitness and nutrition by chance. I've adapted my mindset fueled by motivation and self-care.
Here's what I do to stay motivated, and I want to help you reset your mindset and build habits that actually stick.
When Motivation Fades, Find Your Spark
We all hit those moments where working out feels like a chore or eating well feels impossible. When that happens, I turn to Pinterest or Instagram and type in “motivation.” Quotes pop up everywhere. Don’t just scroll—read them.
Let one sink in, then use it to reevaluate your goals. Write them down. Say them out loud. Take action. Your “why” has to be clear. You need to care enough to make your goals a priority. That’s how you push through on the days you don’t feel like it.
Set Goals
One of my favorite sayings is "Hope is not a strategy." It’s easier to stay motivated when you’re chasing something that matters to you.
Write down your goals and put them somewhere you’ll see daily, such as your bathroom mirror, your fridge, or your phone’s lock screen. Every time you see them, you remind yourself why you’re putting in the work.
If you don’t love every step of the process, connect it to something you do love. Maybe working out isn’t your thing, but you love how confident you feel after you finish. That mindset shift makes a huge difference.
Make Your Goals Public
Accountability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a proven way to stay on track. When you keep your goals a secret, it’s easy to let them slide because no one knows if you’re sticking with them. The second you speak those goals out loud, they feel more real.
Start simple. Tell your partner you’re committing to three workouts a week or share with your best friend that you’re focusing on cooking at home five nights instead of eating out. If you’re comfortable, take it a step further and share your goal on social media. Post about your progress, your challenges, and what’s keeping you motivated.
When other people know what you’re working toward, they naturally check in. They might ask how your workouts are going or comment on your progress photos. That extra layer of encouragement makes you less likely to bail when you’re tired or unmotivated.
The key is to choose people who will lift you up, not tear you down. Surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Public accountability turns your goals from something you hope to do into something you’re actively working toward, and others are rooting for you to make it happen.
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Use Rewards That Actually Motivate
Rewards can be powerful if you choose them wisely. Instead of leaning on a “cheat day” mentality that can set you back, focus on rewards that make you feel good and keep you moving toward your goals. Think of them as little celebrations for staying consistent.
Here are some ideas:
Treat yourself to new workout gear or a cozy hoodie once you’ve hit a milestone.
Save your favorite binge‑worthy show or podcast for after your planned workouts are complete.
Book a massage or a spa day when you’ve stuck to your routine for a month.
Plan an active outing with friends, like a hike or a fitness class you’ve been curious about.
Upgrade your kitchen tools, like a new blender or meal prep containers, to make healthy habits easier.
Set aside a small savings pot so every completed week adds up to something bigger—a weekend getaway, a concert ticket, or a fun experience.
The best rewards make you excited to keep going, not guilty for slipping up. Pick things that support the lifestyle you’re building, and let those moments remind you how far you’ve come.
Buddy Up for Extra Accountability
Having a goal buddy really can change the entire experience. When you’re working toward something on your own, it’s easy to talk yourself out of a workout or skip meal prep because no one will notice. Add another person into the mix, and suddenly you have someone who understands what you’re trying to do and will nudge you when you start to drift.
A goal buddy doesn’t have to live nearby. They can be your gym partner, a coworker, or even someone you check in with virtually. Set up regular check‑ins—a quick text after a workout, a weekly FaceTime to plan meals, or a shared note on your phones to track progress.
Here are some ways to make it work:
Plan workouts together, whether in person or by following the same program and comparing notes.
Swap recipe ideas or meal prep photos to keep things interesting and inspired.
Send a quick “did you get it done today?” text to keep each other accountable.
Celebrate milestones together, like finishing a fitness challenge or hitting a new PR.
Be honest when you hit a slump and let your buddy remind you why you started.
With a partner in your corner, staying consistent feels less like a chore and more like a team effort, and that makes the journey a lot more fun.
Build a Mindset That Lasts
At the end of the day, no one else can create motivation for you. You have to build it from within. I remind myself how I feel when I eat well and move my body consistently. I feel confident, strong, and comfortable in my skin. That’s worth the effort.
Nothing worthwhile comes easy. You’ll hit rough patches, but if you stay consistent and patient, you’ll earn your progress and appreciate it even more.
For those who need more formal accountability, reach out to me to learn about the nutrition accountability and wellness exercise programs I offer. While there are plenty of options out there, I can promise you that none of them offer the direct contact, check-ins, ideas, and full-body wellness that you'll find at Legg Day Fitness.
Go after those goals. You’ve got this, and I’m cheering for you every step of the way.
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