"If I'm going to work out tonight, I can have an ice cream afterwards. Or watch an episode of the series I'm following.' Do you ever promise yourself a reward when you exercise? There is a better way to motivate yourself.
Strict, but fair?
Researchers discovered that it is more motivating to punish yourself if you don't exercise. So:'If I don't exercise, I can't watch an ice cream or a series.'
But be careful what you punish yourself with Not letting yourself eat ice cream when you're not exercising isn't such a good idea. You can really do something tasty without exercising first. So rather use your favorite series as motivation.
Or bet money…
If it costs you money not to exercise, you will be even more motivated to go. Research shows that it works even better than if you promise money if you do exercise.
How come punishing yourself works better?
Losing something is a more painful thought for most people. We do everything we can to prevent loss.
