We all know that exercise is crucial for physical and mental heath. Yet, many of us find ourselves constantly making excuses, pushing workouts back, mindlessly scrolling and ultimately failing to achieve our fitness goals.

Is procrastination and disorganisation truly the root of this consistent struggle?

Procrastination, the act of delaying or postponing tasks, plays a huge role. The attraction of immediate gratification ― scrolling through social media, shopping online or watching TV ― often outweighs the long-term benefits of exercise.

We tell ourselves we'll "start tomorrow," only to repeat the cycle endlessly. Disorganisation further exacerbates the issue.

Lack of structure, unclear goals, and a chaotic environment can make it incredibly difficult to establish a consistent exercise routine.

However, while procrastination and disorganisation contribute, they are often symptoms of deeper underlying issues.

Lack of Motivation: If exercise feels like a chore rather than a rewarding activity, finding the motivation to overcome procrastination becomes a constant battle.

Unrealistic Expectations: The fear of not meeting unrealistic goals or the anxiety of facing physical challenges can lead to avoidance and procrastination.

Doubting Yourself: Many of us lack confidence in our ability to succeed, leading to self-sabotaging behaviours like procrastination and disorganisation.

Mental Health Challenges: if you’re going through grief or any other conditions like anxiety and depression, these issues can significantly impact motivation, energy levels, and the ability to maintain a consistent routine.

Overcoming the Obstacles

To break free from the cycle of procrastination and disorganisation, it's important to address the root causes:

Set Realistic and Achievable Goals: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.

Find an Activity You Enjoy: Explore different activities like dancing, swimming, fitness classes and discover something you genuinely enjoy. Finding a personal trainer to customise your workout for just for you can help you enjoy the time that you spend working on your buddy.

Create a Supportive Environment: Organise your workout gear, schedule workouts in your calendar, and find a workout buddy for accountability and motivation.

Prioritise Self-Care: Ensure you're getting enough sleep, managing stress effectively, and nourishing your body with healthy food and plenty of water.

Seek Professional Help: If you are feeling unwell, mentally and you feel that it is impacting your ability to exercise, consider consulting a therapist or counsellor.

Procrastination and disorganisation are definitely obstacles, but they are not impossible to overcome. By addressing the underlying issues and implementing strategies to overcome these challenges, you can finally achieve your fitness goals and reap the numerous benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.

Get organised and B-Active for Life.

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Look for B. ActiveForLife on Facebook