Creating Change > Individual Level: Motivation >

Getting Motivated: An Ecological Approach

• The Individual
• The Social Environment
• The Physical Environment
• Policies and Regulations
  

Getting Motivated: The Individual

Strategies

To address motivational issues on an individual level, you can encourage clients, members, community members, or employees to:

• Focus on behavioural goals (e.g., going for a walk during coffee breaks five times per week)
• Provide a realistic time frame that will allow individuals to achieve their behavior goals
• Value physical activity for its own sake, not for external outcomes or reasons
• Find ways of incorporating physical activity into their daily routines
• Perceive themselves as leading a physically active lifestyle

Source: Adapted from Rodgers and Loitz (2009)

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Getting Motivated: The Social Environment

Strategies

Try the following strategies to address motivational issues at the social level:

• Help clients/members feel good about being physically active
• Create a supportive and encouraging environment that focuses on participation rather than achievement
• Develop programs that are consistent with the personal goals and beliefs of the participants

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Getting Motivated: The Physical Environment

Strategies

Some strategies for addressing motivational issues in the physical environment include:

• Ensuring your facility promotes personal satisfaction and a positive self image, rather than focusing on weight loss/gain, appearance, or competition
  • No weigh scales in the gym
  • Inspirational posters rather than mirrors

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Getting Motivated: Policies and Regulations

Strategies

Motivational issues can be addressed by developing policy and implementing regulations. You can contribute at this level by:

• Implementing incentive programs that focus on participation in physical activity rather than outcomes of physical activity (e.g., weight loss, strength goals, etc.)
• Providing detailed information about programs or services. Information should include
  • Where to learn about programs/services
  • How to sign up or get involved
  • What is needed to participate (e.g., proper footwear, safety equipment (such as shin pads or helmets, etc.) and where these items can be obtained
  • What will happen on the day of the activity
  • Detailed explanations of how to do the activity
  • Explanations of the proper physical activity etiquette

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Getting Motivated: Useful Links

• Fitness Programs: 10 Tips for Staying Motivated
  
• InMotion Adults
  
• Stay Motivated

References

Deci, E. L. & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 1, 227–68.

Deci, E. L. & Ryan, R. M. (2007). Active human nature: Self-determination theory and the promotion and maintenance of sport, exercise, and health. In M. S. Hagger & N. L. D. Chatzisarantis (Editors), Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in exercise and sport. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Rodgers, W. M. & Loitz, C. C. (2009). The role of motivation in behavior: How do we encourage our clients to be active? ACSM’S Health & Fitness Journal, 13, 7–12.