"An intention is a precondition for behavior. If someone does not intend to exercise, I can accurately predict that they will not. But if they do have the positive intention, it does not guarantee that they will. Nor does it guarantee that they will do it consistently. If you struggle with acting on your good intentions, you're not alone. The biggest barrier to fitness isn't a lack of knowledge; it's inconsistency."
"If it's not on your calendar, it probably won't happen. We put our priorities in the calendar. It sets up an automatic prompt. In the beginning, this is important. Treat your workout like any other non-negotiable appointment. Set a time, set a reminder, and build repetition into your week. Consistency isn't about intensity - it's about deciding in advance. Motivation is unstable. It ebbs and flows throughout the day. Because it is a moving target, it is hard to rely on."
Consistency is the primary barrier to fitness; motivation is unstable and cannot be relied upon. Scheduling workouts like meetings ensures priority and creates automatic prompts. Lowering friction and making workouts easier to start increases adherence. Emphasizing identity—becoming the kind of person who exercises—shifts focus from outcomes to sustainable habits. Small actions and brief sessions build confidence and reinforce habit formation. Planning ahead, setting reminders, and removing barriers increase the likelihood of showing up. Research-backed, practical strategies can bridge the intention-behavior gap and prevent repeated restarts. Consistency requires deciding in advance rather than relying on intensity or willpower.
Read at Psychology Today
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