I’m really trying to stay motivated in certain aspects of my life (aka – fitness), but I have a lot of trouble keeping my motivation level up where it needs to be.
My issue is that I start with a strong desire to achieve my goals…but life happens and the feeling disappears completely. There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of middle ground for me.
I know a lot of people experience this struggle in many areas of their lives, but maintaining the desire to workout regularly is a big one for so many of us. What we/I need to remember is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There’s a gigantic middle ground out there, too.
Today, I found my middle ground. I didn’t feel like working out. I just had no desire, what-so-ever. I almost decided against it, but I remembered that I pinned a 20 minute treadmill workout. 20 minutes? No problem. I had 20 minutes.
You know what? I not only completed the (intense) 20-minute workout, but I got my motivation back, put on my sturdy elbow sleeves for lifting, and added some unplanned strength training to my workout. Success = motivation.
Now, let’s talk fashion.
January isn’t exactly the most inspiring time to get dressed, but it doesn’t mean you should give up on dressing well and feeling good about yourself. Sure, throw on jeans and a sweatshirt, but make sure they’re jeans that you love and a sweatshirt with some sparkle. I’m convinced that adding a bit of sparkle is another way to beat those January blahs.
What I’m Wearing:
Sweatshirt – LOFT (Same)
Blouse – J.Crew (Same, but with a pattern)
Jeans – AG via Nordstrom Rack (Similar)
Purse – Gap (Similar)
Boots – Roots (Same)
Necklace – Target (Similar)
Just remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing!
Ivete says
I love a jeans/sweatshirt combination. This one is very appropriate for work/going out with friends. The sweatshirt is so pretty and the pink/blush color looks great on you!
http://www.girlinahotcity.com
Shannon says
So adorable! I bought my sister-in-law that sweater for Christmas and I almost kept it for myself! It looks amazing layered! Too cute!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Jackie says
You should have bought two! I’ve been known to do that before. No shame over here 🙂
Ivete says
Oh, and good job on the workout! I’ve read 20 minutes of intense exercise is better than an hour of low intensity. Keep it up, girl! 🙂
Jackie says
I should read up on that. It’s a lot more difficult to make excuses about 20 minutes than an hour…
Rach says
Definitely agree that sometimes it’s so hard to feel motivated to workout. But once you’re doing it, you feel great and forget how you were agonizing over it. Plus, January makes it impossible to want to do anything. That winter! Nevertheless, you did a great job asking some sparkle. That sweater is super cute!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Darcy says
You look fantastic! Love the layering here!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Vanessa says
Beautiful, as always! Love this outfit on you – you’re simply stunning!!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.whatwouldvwear.net
Laura says
Outfit on point! That sweatshirt is gorgeous and so is your jewellery. 🙂
Anything & Everything
Anna says
LOVE your embellished sweater and how you styled it with the geometric necklace. I’d love to hear your thoughts about my latest post if you get a second! Fash Boulevard
tara belle says
great sweatshirt!! I love the embellishments!!
xoxo,
Tara Belle
http://www.NorthernLights-SouthernBelles.com
Adri says
I definitely know it’s hard to keep the motivation up! I’m trying to commit to two days during the week and start there. This week hasn’t been too successful, but it’s okay. Anyway, I love this look! Hats are the best!
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
Alecz says
That happens to me all the time, too! I’m feeling lazy, but drag myself to the gym anyway. And end up having the BEST workout ever. Also this outfit is awesome! Great sweater.
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Wendy says
Not sure if it’s just me, but your pictures show up HUGE on my desktop and normal on my Bloglovin’ apps. It didn’t start doing that until about a week ago for me. I have to scroll quite a bit to see the whole thing (and I have a big computer screen). Just a heads up, if it isn’t only me with the problem – and it probably totally is. 😉 I’m all over glitzy or printed sweatshirts right now. No reason they can’t be accessorized!
Jackie says
That’s really, really weird. A friend of mine told me she had some weird issues with my photos in this post too…but it looks fine on my personal computer, work computer and phone, so I’m not sure what’s going on! Thanks for letting me know!
Shannon says
Staying motivated is seriously so hard. Definitely a constant struggle, so kudos (is that weird to say) to you for pushing through! Pinning that workout! I’m all for a good jeans and sweatshirt look…casual/chic is the way to go!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Jackie says
Thanks – I just need to remember that the next time I have no desire at all to get moving.
Let me know how the workout goes for you! <3
Kate says
What a fabulous sweatshirt! I find that setting small goals for myself makes everything so much easier. I say “go bike for ten minutes” and after ten minutes, I find that I’m game to go longer. Keep up your great work!
Clipping Path Outsource says
I remember perfectly the day I bought this type of pink sweater. My colleague constant advice was “Don’t buy stuff that’s not a basic” and this thought kept popping in the back of my head. Instead, I was completely driven by the color and shape of this pink sweater.
http://www.clippingpathoutsource.com
Anna Baun says
I struggle with the exact same so don’t feel discouraged! I love your advice on it does not have to be all or nothing when life gets in the way. Finding that middle ground is key! Great post! XO
Anna
alilyloveaffair.com
Tori McKimm says
I agree–I have a really hard time staying motivated to hit the gym–but 20 mins is prolly something I could do 🙂 And honestly because I have a job where I sit a lot–I just need to move more and be more active during the day–that would help! I love this look on you–the blush color is so pretty 🙂
Tori
FashionBlingGirlyThings
Jackie says
I sit all day at work too! Sometimes, I like to find excuses to get up and walk around every so often.
Ashley says
Sparkle really is one of the best ways to beat the January clothing blues 🙂 And yay for getting some motivation to work out! I have been struggling with that myself lately but I just joined a barre class so I’m hoping that will motivate me a little bit!
Jackie says
Classes really help with motivation, because it’s at a specific time. That’s why I love team sports (summer only).
Megan Joy says
That sweater is totally adorable and the colour looks lovely on you! Great job on staying on track with your goals even though life happens! 😉
Meghan says
You go girl! That is so intense! 2 minutes at that incline and that speed? I wanna say you’re crazy, but if you did it, 1 million high fives for you. That’s amazing. I wanna go home and try it. It’ll kill me, but I want to do it. I’m all about fancy sweatshirts and nice looking jeans to be 1. warm and 2. cute, during the winter months.
Jackie says
I’m not gonna lie, I hadn’t done the workout before, so I modified it a bit there at the top, but now I’m working towards it.
Did you make it the whole way?
JenLax says
OMG I did the same thing this morning. Thought about it for 15 minutes until I realized, fine, I have 20 minutes, I’ll go on a quick run. I’m so out of shape so it didn’t do much but I did feel better the rest of the day! Love the sweater, too.
http://laxmilifestyle.com
Jackie says
Congratulations on pushing through and getting the 20 min in. It’s better than nothing, and if you keep it up, you won’t be out of shape 🙂
Kathleen says
You look so chic and stylish. I adore this combo and you did a fantastic job styling. I especially love your embellished sweater!
<3
katsfashionfix.blogspot.com
Jackie says
Thank you so much!!
Sara Strauss says
Some days I really have to push myself to work out as well! Today I started using the Nike app and I pushed myself to keep going because I wanted to hit 2 miles. It’s a small thing, but it helped me go a little further. By the way, I love this top!
~Sara
Sincerely, Sara
Jackie says
It’s those small things that help the most, isn’t it? I find apps help a lot, whether it’s to track progress, individual workouts, or even help with “what on earth should I do today”
Jacqueline says
What a cute sweatshirt! Love the embellishment! I feel you on the whole working out thing! It took every ounce today to actually work out.
xo,
Jacqueline
Stylin In St. Louis
Jackie says
I’ll bet you feel better now though 😉
And thanks – I could definitely see you wearing that sweatshirt too!
Maddy says
love that sweatshirt + I’m all about blush pink lately. it looks great with your hair.
PS. way to kill the workout 🙂
xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com
Jackie says
Thanks Maddy!! 🙂
head to toe chic says
yay thats so awesome!! and I’m obsessed with this sweatshirt. The detailing is so pretty!
xo,
Angela
NERISSA says
the sweater is perfection!
iloveyour blog!
XOXO,
http://www.fashionerza.com
I can rock any outfits, come follow my online diary
Kierra says
Sweaters over button downs is my favorite. The color of your is so pretty!
http://www.lavishingg.com
xx
Sandra Rosalie says
wow i love this outfit on you .. looks amazing ..
I love the sweater .. want it
Hope you visit me on my Blog .. i love yours 🙂
Sandra
http://www.sunkissedheart.de
Jola says
You look fantastic! Love the sweater
Jolahogg.com
Raya says
I really love this post, sometimes we really lose the motivation especially when we don’t see the result as fast as we want or we it’s just too tiring. I learned that the more we do the things that tire us or causes us fear, the tiredness and fear disappear. It’s just as wonderful as that, so keep on being motivated with the 20 minute plan and in no time you” reach your fitness goals and inspire us more. Stay gorgeous and keep in touch always. 🙂
RAYA
http://www.raysofraya.com
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/raysofraya/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/raysofraya
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/raysofraya
Jackie says
Thank you so much for the really inspired comment. You’re totally right! Fitness is something that doesn’t give instant results (regardless of the kind of results you want), and it makes it tough to keep it up.
Chloe says
I love your sweatshirt!
Looks so cold over there.. looking forward to the summer that is for sure
Cute outfit <3
http://www.fasheauty.com
UK High Street Fashion
Amy Ann says
Great post! You are so right, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Life is all about balance and I love the reminder. I tell myself this about working out all the time… I love your blush pink and layers!
Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
Jackie says
Exactly! I know we all share the struggle 🙂
Ashley says
This sweatshirt is so cute- I love the color, too!
And I totally feel you re: motivation. Most nights I would rather slag the gym off and just lounge- and then I drag myself there and go, and feel SO MUCH BETTER after I get done.
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Jackie says
It’s rare that I actually “feel” like working out, but I ALWAYS feel so much better after. Maybe someday I’ll actually remember how good it makes me feel.
Anya Martin says
I am obsessed with your blouse ! You look beautiful !
xo
Anya
MimosasAndMore.com
Zelle says
Such a fun sweatshirt! Love the detailing!
xo Southern Style
Tracy says
This is SO very cute and the prettiest pale pink! When I struggle with exercise or something I really don’t want to do, I often think of the oldie but goodie “just do it”, nike got it right years ago and it’s so simple it works just like you did by getting on the treadmill for a short (but effective workout 🙂
Tracy
http://www.TracysNotebookofStyle.com
Jackie says
You know what…I never really ‘thought’ about the motivation behind “Just Do It.” Genius. Seriously!
Anna says
Rad! I need to get back into working out. I used to be so diligent about it, but lately finding the motivation has been particularly hard. I’m glad you’re on track! Love the details on your sweater, by the way! <3
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Jackie says
Why does it have to be so hard to keep motivated? It’s a constant struggle for most of us!
Erin Elizabeth says
I LOVE this jewel-detailed sweatshirt!! It’s sooooo cute! 🙂 Great color too. You look cozy and cute!
xo Erin
http://www.winkandatwirl.com
Jackie says
Thank you! I can assure you that I wasn’t anywhere near cozy while taking these photos 😉
Mili says
I’m the worst with exercise. I’d rather eat ice cream and watch Friends than get on a treadmill. But 20 minutes doesn’t sound that bad! I’ll have to check out that workout 🙂 And your sparkles definitely defeat the January blahs 😉
Mili
Red Tag Chic Los Angeles says
You made winter a lot prettier with pastels & those awesome embellishments!!!
Best!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Color Me Courtney says
Amazing post! I’m obsessed with that embellished sweatshirt, you can never go wrong with pale pink!
XO Courtney
http://www.colormecourtney.com