Trackers and streaks

Trackers and streaks can be really helpful in motivating ourselves. But if we’re not careful, they can be counterproductive.

For over 500 days I’ve consistently done a minimum of 8000 steps a day. I often do more, but 8000 is a good baseline that I can still hit consistently when I’ve spent a few hours out on the bike! It’s been helpful in motivating me to get out in the fresh air a little bit more on grey days or days when I’m stuck at a desk.

But right now I have a foot injury, nothing major but it needs rest, not unnecessary steps.

And yet I didn’t want to abandon my streak.

I knew it was not healthy for me. But the pressure to keep going was surprisingly strong.

Yesterday I fell 200 steps short and after initially being annoyed about the lost streak, I realised I felt freer and better able to look after myself.

It’s vital to find a way to motivate ourselves to meet our goals. But it’s important to keep asking ourselves:

Are my goals still right for me?

Are the motivational techniques I’m using to keep myself on track still healthy?

Coaching can be very helpful to ensure we keep us checking in with our goals, and make sure that we’re not sticking with things that aren’t working for us any more.