Practicing what I Preach: The Struggle is Real

“Practice what I preach.” It’s a mantra I catch myself repeating often, especially when my own movement practice feels more like a chore than a joy. Why is it so hard to stay true to our intentions? Maybe it’s the monotony. Maybe it’s the sheer effort. Or maybe it’s because we need to make it more exciting—dress it up with colorful calendars, new outfits, and a wall full of motivational reminders.

Here’s the kicker: I know I need to do it. I know it will make me feel better. For crying out loud, I own all the equipment! (The irony is not lost on me.) But like every other Movement Specialist out there, I face the same hurdle as everyone else—finding consistency in my own movement practice. It’s not easy, but it is essential. And it requires a strategy.

The Joy Strategy

So, how do I make it happen? Here’s my truth: I focus on the joy.

Yes, joy. You might be rolling your eyes, but hear me out. It’s not just a fluffy, feel-good word—it’s a real motivator. I tap into the “good feels” I experience after every session and let those memories guide me.

Think about it:

• The buzz of energy after a great workout.

• The lightness in your body after stretching.

• The mental clarity that follows movement.

These are the feelings I focus on when my motivation is at its lowest. I remind myself that this is how I’ll feel once I start.

Talking Myself Back Into My Routine

1. Step 1: Visualize the Outcome
   I don’t just tell myself, “I need to move.” I remind myself of why I want to move. I picture that post-workout glow—the calm, the strength, the confidence.

2. Step 2: Start Small
   It’s not about conquering the world in one session. Sometimes, I just commit to 10 minutes. Often, that’s all it takes to break through the inertia.

3. Step 3: Celebrate the Wins
   Movement is about progress, not perfection. Every time I show up for myself, it’s a victory. And I take a moment to feel proud of that.

Finding Your Joy and Doing the Work

This approach isn’t just for me—it’s for you too. Whether you’re a client at 416 Pilates or someone striving to stay consistent in your movement journey, joy can be your compass. The “good feels” are already inside you, waiting to be rediscovered.

So let’s start small, celebrate often, and find the joy in every step. After all, consistency doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be the start, that leads to the repetition, that drives the motivation for us to do the work!