Finding ways to stay motivated when exercising is probably one of the hardest aspects of any prolonged training program. Studies have shown that most people who quit attending a gym usually do so after 3 months from the time they started. Surveys found that the main cause for this is not only the lack of discipline and that dreaded word – perseverance - but also the lack of self-motivation.
The key issue to staying on track with any long term goal is to be passionate about what you are doing, and have a strong desire to succeed. Passion, desire and self belief drive us toward achieving the goals we set up for ourselves, not only with exercise, but also in life. However, it is has to be passionate and committed if you have to  get up in the early hours to go to the gym, or grind away at rigorous exercises after work when you’re tired and would rather be at home relaxing, watching TV.
Thankfully, there are ways to keep your resolve strong and stay motivated. Here are 6 tips to keep the desire alive, fuel the passion, and motivate you to succeed:

1. Define the reasons why it is so important to you to be healthy and fit
Think about all the reasons why you have the need to change your present lifestyle – what is wrong with your life right now? Think about this carefully. The more solid reasons you have for getting fit and living a healthier life in future, the easier you will find it to stay motivated.
2. Do it for the love of it
If you’re doing something that you hate, the chances of succeeding are slim. Do exercises that you enjoy, rather than sticking with workout regimes that you dislike or find boring. Plan a workout strategy that’s fits in with not only your exercise goals, but also with what you enjoy. Remember, being physically fit is only part of living a healthy life - mental wellness is equally important. You will find that your fitness training results go hand in hand with your mental attitude. If you are training with a lack of enthusiasm, the results will ultimately not be as good is when doing it with enjoyment.
3. Try not to train alone
One of the best ways to stay motivated and enthusiastic is to train with a buddy, or in a group. Whether you’re training with friends or complete strangers in a gym, sharing your workout program with other people will be far more fun and will help you stay motivated. Try and introduce a little spice into your training schedule by competing with others. Train with partners who are enthusiastic and motivated, this will encourage you to do better and stay motivated.
4. Change your workout routine
By changing your workout routine regularly you will stop yourself from getting bored. Plan your weekly training program by including varied activities that you enjoy. By keeping your workout varied, it will not only spur your enthusiasm but also make you more physically flexible.  Don’t be tempted to repeat the same exercises all the time as after a while you may “hit the wall”. When that happens, personal progress will slow down. By making even the slightest adjustments to your normal training routine, you will challenge your body to continue developing.
5. Set yourself definite goals
 Setting goals gives you something tangible to work towards and strive for. Set both short and long term goals. Having goals and working towards them is crucial for keeping yourself motivated to exercise. Each time you reach a short-term goal it gives you the confidence boost needed to keep working towards achieving the long-term goal.  This will help you stay interested and focused.
6. Track your success
It’s always satisfying to look back at smaller milestones achieved along the way and see just how far you have come. Document your short-term successes by making notes or taking photographs and sticking them in a scrap book. Congratulate yourself for all your achievements thus far accomplished. Sit back and savor the progress you have made, this will give you the courage, determination and motivation to carry you through to the end goal.