Can Social Settings Help with Motivation?

There are many tactics to use to stay motivated when making any kind of behavior change. Be it health related, business related, or some other personal goal, most of us have good intentions of putting our plans into action but fall short when it comes to staying motivated to KEEP GOING especially when results don’t seem to be speaking for themselves. 

Get Involved

One great way to stay motivated is to become part of a social group of people who share a similar interest. They get together routinely to practice or talk about the interest, therefore, making it part of your routine. Everyone has their own perspective and approach to the topic which makes getting new ideas fun and interesting to learn.

Research shows that people are more likely to make healthful (or unhealthful) behavior changes when they associate with peers who practice those behaviors.

Join a Social Group

For example, if you’re getting into living a healthier lifestyle, it is fun and motivating to join a group of people who have made health a priority in their lives. You could join a local Zumba dance group, or an exercise club (or gym), or become a member of a healthy recipes group on Facebook.

Avoid Adverse Social Activities

Likewise, if you’re attempting to change your existing (not so healthy) lifestyle and drink less alcohol during the week and work out more, it’s probably not serving you well to continue Happy Hour on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays because that behavior encourages drinking – potentially sabotaging your health goals.

No Pressure

The great thing about hooking up with your interest group in a social setting is that there’s no pressure to be anything that you’re not. Everyone is participating in the group because they want to be there and personally enjoy the atmosphere or the content.

Ways To Find an Interest Group

• Google Search (online search)
• Facebook Group Search (online social networking)
• Chamber of Commerce (local community outreach)
• Ask around (co-workers, friends, parish members, etc)

Cheers to your health!