I’m just starting to get back into running after about a year away, and I find that the thing that has the most impact on my daily miles is workout motivation. If my head’s in the zone, it’s easier for my feet to follow. As I set my family’s budget every month, I realize there are a lot of similarities between getting into a workout routine and getting into a debt reduction routine.

Workout Motivation: Tips To Help You Reduce Debt

Keep track of your progress

What better workout motivation is there than seeing yourself improve week after week? You can use apps for budgeting the same way you can use apps to track your workout progress, or you can get super simple and use a pencil and paper. No matter how you do it, tracking your progress will help you understand where you need improvement and really see what a great job you’re doing.

Pace yourself

The faster you go right away, the more tired you’re going to get. Similarly, you’re going to leave yourself high and dry if you try to make huge debt payments right away. Think about the debt snowflake method as a Couch to 5K for your wallet!

Get a buddy

Anything tough is more enjoyable when you’re not doing it alone. Enlisting the help of a friend can keep you accountable to your goals and give you new ideas you might not have thought of.  I run faster when I run with a friend, and I budget better when my husband and I put our heads together over the family finances. Don’t have a budget buddy? Check out the free e-course PerkStreet created with Ramon and Jess from The Biggest Loser: Season 12. It’s very motivating!

Be kind to yourself

Some days are going to be better than others. It can be so disappointing when you’ve been making great progress and then you slip up. When my schedule gets too busy and I go a long time without running, or I have an off day, or I spend more than I intended, I have to remember that humans make mistakes, and tomorrow is always another day and another chance to do better. To give yourself extra motivation, learn about this workout app that pays you, which our VP of Analytics, John, has been using.

Focus on the permanent change

Building a good workout routine and budgeting are both really hard to do. They both involve major changes in behavior, a shift in priorities, and perseverance. I have to say no to a lot of things I wish I could say yes to, like nachos or a new sweater. But then I remember that this is about making a life improvement, and I know that nachos will never have the power to give me better health or financial freedom. And that’s saying a lot, because I really love nachos.

If you’re interested in physical fitness and living a healthier financial life, you should check out the free e-course we created with Ramon and Jess from The Biggest Loser: Season 12!