Can you see it now? You’re outdoors in a beautiful environment surrounded by eager clients who LOVE your sessions! You’re filled with pride and gratitude as you hear your client’s stories of how their lives have changed.
Talk about fulfilling!
But wait; first, you need to get qualified as a fitness professional. You may have chosen an online option for a variety of reasons: work, family, location, learning in your pajamas (we won’t judge)! It’s also pretty cool that if you didn’t understand something, you can just backtrack and listen again.
When you started, you were OVERFLOWING with motivation, but now you’re feeling….well, a bit isolated…and life keeps getting in between you and your laptop!
With a few adjustments to your approach, you can keep yourself on track and achieve what you set out to do. Here’s what we suggest:
- Know your WHY.
Why do you want to become a PT? Was it fulfillment, freedom, passion or flexibility? Did you have a life changing experience and now you want to pass on that knowledge? Get clear on WHY you are doing this and find a picture to represent your WHY. Keep your image somewhere you can see it to remind and help to motivate you.
- Be realistic – slice up your goals.
You may be gung ho and have huge tasks that you want to accomplish all at once ‘I’m going to do all of the assignments in one day!’ When you don’t accomplish them all, you may be disappointed and frustrated with yourself, which can lead to procrastination. Break down big projects or modules into small sections and make time for these in your calendar. The repeated sense of accomplishing small goals over and over will keep you motivated for the long haul.
- Your environment COUNTS.
What is your study environment like? Is your kitchen bench where you do your best learning? Are you looking at loads of laundry and listening to the Ellen show in the background? Create a place that says “it’s time to make some learning happen here!” Remove clutter and distraction, or, if you’re like me, put on some cool chill out tunes. Whatever works for you!
- You’re not an island, get your social on!
Find your support crew. Try online forums, Facebook groups and fellow students. You can always pick up the phone and give us a call too! You are part of the PTA family! Staying motivated when you’re online learning is much easier when you have people on your side. Use their knowledge and support to pave the way for your success.
- Break it up, change your posture.
NASA Researcher Dr. Joan Vernikos studied the impact of zero gravity on astronauts; she discovered that it accelerated the aging process and increased health problems like cardiovascular disease. YIKES! Guess what? She found the same problem with sitting too long! She identified that CHANGING posture did wonders for health, energy and brain function. Standing up and down every twenty minutes was more effective than walking on a treadmill for 15 minutes for cardiovascular and metabolic changes. So take a break, get UP, get down, walk around! Why not try out a few of those exercises you’re learning?
Online learning can be a great path to further your education and career. Set yourself up for success with support, structure and an awesome environment.
Happy Learning,
Mel and the PTA team
