. . . but some people don’t feel that way. For me, my fitness habits are a way for me to become the best I can be. I feel the most confident and powerful when I’m working out, eating right, and seeing results. But, again, some people don’t feel that way and don’t understand why I do the things I do. As fitness enthusiasts, sometimes it’s hard for us to believe that others don’t feel the same way about running/yoga/pump/weightlifting/swimming/cycling as we do. So how do we cope with people who don’t see fitness and health in the same light? Here are a few tips to combat any negativity and be encouraging without being annoying to others.
- Don’t apologize for your healthy habits. Stick to your guns. The people that matter will be supportive, and that’s what counts. Don’t stop doing your thing to conform to others’ opinions.
- Don’t be annoying. Try to be more conscious of how you’re coming off to others with your enthusiasm. Don’t apologize (see above), but if you’re sensing that others are finding you annoying, find other things to talk about. Surely you like other things. 🙂
- Don’t criticize others, even if they criticize you. Agree to disagree. Don’t take the bait when someone provokes you. Stand your ground, but don’t escalate matters.
- Be encouraging. When someone says, “Oh, I could never do that,” try to relate to the person: “I totally know what you mean!” “You’re right. It is hard at first, but if you just stick with it . . .” Encourage others to find something they love, which is not necessarily what you might love. Accept that and be encouraging anyway.
- Be supportive. When a friend or family member sets a goal, be their biggest cheerleader, no matter what that goal is. We are the most vulnerable when we begin working toward a goal, and that’s when we need the most support. Be the one who provides that support.
- Be real. Admit that sometimes exercising is hard, that you like to eat those amazing red velvet Oreos by the sleeve sometimes (hopefully not), that you fail sometimes. But record your triumphs, no matter how small. Being yourself will plant a seed, and someday, because of you, others will follow your example.
All of these tips are similar, but it comes down to this: keep doing what you’re doing and be awesome.
What’s your favorite Oreo flavor?
How do you motivate others?
This post is linked up with others for The Fit Dish Link-Up. Thanks to Jill Conyers at JillConyers.com, & Jessica Joy at TheFitSwitch.org for hosting. Be sure to visit their blogs and others in the link-up.
(updated 2/10)
Whitney, lady, exactly what I would have said, and so nicely put! Loved reading this, and thank you for the ‘sticking with your guns’ points. We don’t need to apologize or change, but being conscious of others is very important. Love how you handle things! Thanks for sharing!
Jessica Joy @The Fit Switch recently posted…How To Be A More Motivating Fitness Friend
It’s totally hard to be true to ourselves sometimes, especially when we want to please others, but we have to do what feels good and right to us. We will be respected by those who matter. Thanks for dropping by! Hope you’re having a wonderful day!
Oh em gee, red velvet Oreos. I wanna try some! (+ the birthday cake oreos too!) Agreed on all your tips though, especially number one (because I have a tendency to apologize for everything, whether or not it’s my fault/I had any control over the situation ._.)! <3
Farrah recently posted…Fitness Non-Enthusiasts
I haven’t tried the birthday cake ones, but some people like them. I don’t know if I’d be one of them. I think we all have the tendency to want to please everyone/avoid any drama. Something to work on for all of us!
Great tips Whitney! I think wanting to inspire others is often faced with misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Taking the point of view from your perspective and the perspective of others is a great combination!
jill conyers recently posted…Write a Manifesto
Thanks! I think it’s hard for people to realize that we’re not trying to be better than they are but that we’re encouraging a healthy lifestyle in general.
Very well put!! I’m actually not a big fan or oreos if you can believe it? I’ve been seeing everyone posting about these Red Velvet oreos, but I don’t get it 🙂
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…12 Characteristics of Long Distance Runners
What?! Not a fan of Oreos, eh? Totally fine that you don’t like them much. Not everyone does. 🙂
Great tips. 🙂 Being real can be tough, it is hard to admit how tired or how hard it sometimes is to be and stay fit, especially when we are talking to someone who isn’t on the fitness train!
So true! But I think it helps people know that fitness isn’t great all the time but that the good outweighs the bad.
this is awesome! I love these tips and they are so on point! I definitely try to follow this list because I have a lot of non fitness enthusiasts in my life.
Montana Ross recently posted…Experiences with Non-Fitness Enthusiasts