For those days when the couch is calling your name and you just really don't feel like going to practice...

Watch An Inspiring Video
Whenever I would be discouraged about my progress on an event or just felt like I was at a plateau, it always helped me to watch videos of gymnasts that could do the things I dreamed of doing. When I wanted some serious motivation, watching Shawn Johnson nail her beam routine in the Team Final at the 2008 Olympics got me so pumped and ready for practice. 

I mean, how amazing is this?!



Think Bigger Picture
Yes, right in this moment you may be tired and totally drained, and flipping your body through the air is last on the list of desired activities. Our lives are so busy, but going into practice with the mentality that it was going to stink never (seriously, never) worked out in my favor. ItÂ’s in these moments that you have to remember the unbelievable amount of time and dedication youÂ’ve put into the sport to get where you are today. You didnÂ’t get there by laying in your warm and cozy bed—you got there because you worked your butt off on the hardest days.

Remember That Progress Is Slow
Sometimes it’s easy to lose motivation when you feel like you’re not making as much progress as you should be. “I started learning that new skill like THREE days ago—why isn’t it perfect?!” Because gymnastics is hard. Really hard. It takes so much time and so many repetitions to make improvements and to master skills. If you embrace the grind and keep chugging along when it feels like nothing is going your way, one day you’ll find yourself looking back at where you are now and you’ll be so proud of how far you’ve come.

Focus On The Right Things
Why is it so easy to believe in our teammates, our friends, our familyÂ…but so hard to believe in ourselves? We are our toughest critics, but give yourself some grace. When we focus more on what weÂ’ve been given and what we are capable of rather than how difficult the day ahead could possibly be, it completely changes our ability to succeed. 

Choose A Meaningful Quote or Verse
Find something that inspires you and write it down or type it up. Put it somewhere youÂ’ll see it often— whether thatÂ’s on your mirror, in your plannerÂ…heck, write it on your arm (of course, there it will get covered with chalk, but still an option). Try to internalize the words and make them mean something to you and your situation. 

Muster It Up
While talent might be unevenly dispersed among athletes, everyone starts on the same level when it comes to motivation and hard work. Although some people may be more driven naturally, you arenÂ’t born as a “motivated” person. Everyone has to find that motivation for themselves, in their own way. Remember why you started this incredible sport and do it for her. Sometimes you just have to muster it up and decide itÂ’s all worth it.


Related:
Ten Things To Cherish In College Gymnastics
Recruiting 101: Advice For The College-Seeking Athlete
10 Sacrifices Gymnasts Make