Be your own cheerleader
By Judi Ketteler
Updated: 2006-09-19 16:25
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What could you possibly have in common with the typical tuned-out, text-messaging teen with a “whatever” attitude? The need for a little motivation boost, particularly when it comes to doing anything that involves sweating. So who better to ask for their secrets than a group of high-school coaches who make a living getting kids off their butts? Here are their best get-moving-now tips.
Play a success soundtrack
“Come up with some personal affirmations—positive phrases you repeat to yourself, a mental soundtrack for success. To keep going week after week, you need motivational slogans, even if it’s something as simple as ‘My body is strong’ or ‘I can do this.’”
—Field coach Amy Longley, Hathaway Brown School, Shaker Heights, Ohio
Forget perfectionism
“You don’t have to be perfect. Just don’t give yourself the option to not finish what you’ve started. I make a point to urge my kids to put as much effort into the end of practice as they do into the beginning.”
—Diving coach Vicki Kimball, Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Set mini-goals
“Focus on the ‘small picture’ to make each workout the best it can be. Whenever you start to feel overwhelmed, try to concentrate on simply setting mini-goals for each day.”
—Basketball coach Jocelyn Duke, Shawnee High School, Louisville, Kentucky
Bust your routine
“Each month, I schedule a few days when my athletes pick two new skills to learn. Any workout gets old when you do it day after day. Mix it up by trying a new piece of equipment at the gym or taking a class in something you’ve never tried before.”
—Gymnastics coach Pam Turner, Camden Fairview High School, Camden, Arkansas
Give yourself a visual
“When you’re struggling to stay motivated, think back on a time in your life when everything seemed to be working against you, but you succeeded anyway. Put a picture of yourself on your refrigerator that was taken when you were feeling the best about yourself, and use that as your ideal.”
—Tennis coach Judy Marcus, Jefferson High School, Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia
Write it down
“If you’re not willing to put it in writing, it’s not a goal. Choose a measurable target—the number of miles you want to be able to walk, run, or bike, for instance—and surround yourself with Post-it note reminders on your planner, your car dashboard, your computer, or even in your gym bag. Seeing your goal in front of you will always make you more accountable.”
—Cross-country coach Jessie Magoto, Minster High School, Minster, Ohio