HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED TO TRAIN

Motivation is often seen as the driving force that propels us toward our goals. But if we’re honest, we know that motivation can come and go. Some days we wake up eager to tackle the world, while on others, even getting out of bed feels like a challenge. The truth is, it's not motivation that keeps us going long term—it’s daily habits. Once we put solid habits in place, success follows.

That said, motivation is what we need to get started. It’s the kick that gets us off the couch and onto the course of the GYM. Once we take that first step, we can build momentum by focusing on the right strategies. Inside the Zach Gould Golf app, I help golfers create the right environment, giving all my clients the best opportunity to stay motivated!

STAYING MOTIVATED

If you’re struggling to find your motivation, here are a few strategies that will help:

1. Take Control of Your Journey

It’s about making decisions that reflect your values and interests. In the context of training and golf, taking control means setting personal goals that are meaningful to you and developing a training plan that fits your life and preferences.

• Set Personal Goals: Motivation dips when you’re not working toward something that feels important to you. Whether you want to lower your handicap, get stronger, or simply enjoy your time on the course, set clear, attainable goals that excite you. Avoid setting goals based solely on external pressures (like impressing others), as this can lead to unnecessary pressure.

• Create a Routine That’s Achievable: Whether you're training at home or heading to the course, design a routine that feels manageable (I can help with that). When you have the freedom to choose how and when you train, you’re more likely to stick with it. If morning training feels better than evening sessions, prioritiSe it! Your routine should feel like part of your life, not a chore.

2. Build Confidence Through the Progress

Competence/confidence is the need to feel effective and capable in what we do. When you see improvement in your golf/fitness, it feeds your motivation and encourages you to keep going. However, when progress stalls, motivation can quickly drop.

• Track Your Progress: Small wins lead to big motivation. Keep track of improvements—whether it's the number of training sessions, increased strength, improved swing changes, or longer driving distance. Even if progress is slow, acknowledging it keeps you focused and motivated.

• Celebrate Milestones: Every improvement is worth celebrating. Whether it’s hitting your longest drive or hitting new personal best in the gym, these moments show your hard work is paying off. Use them as fuel to keep pushing forward (all of this can be tracked inside the ZGG app).

• Focus on Growth, Not Perfection: Training is about gradual improvement, not overnight success. Instead of focusing on immediate results, shift your mindset toward steady progress. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow your skills and refine your game.

Monitoring improvement inside the ZGG app

3. Find Support in Your Golf Community

While golf is often a solitary game, community plays a huge role in staying motivated. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people will keep your enthusiasm alive.

• Zach Gould Golf App: Inside the app, we have hundreds of golfers taking part in the monthly fitness challenge. We encourage each other to train and aim to climb to the top of the leaderboard or beat our scores from the previous month.

• Work With a Coach: A coach provides the structure and accountability you need to stay motivated. When you’re connected to a mentor who understands your goals and is invested in your progress, you’re more likely to stick with your routine.

• Get Feedback and Support: Positive reinforcement is key. Whether it’s from your coach, friends, or online communities, seek feedback and celebrate progress. This sense of belonging increases your desire to keep improving.

Dr. Zach Gould "Golf fitness coach" passionate about inspiring golfers to make better lifelong habits

BUILDING LIFELONG HABITS

Now that you understand how to stay motivated, the key to long-term success is consistency. Here’s how to make these strategies part of your routine:

1. Tracking to Increase Awareness:
   Keeping a journal of your practice, workouts, and nutrition increases your awareness of where you’re improving and where adjustments might be needed. Tracking your progress helps you stay focused and motivated.

2. Accountability:
   Having someone or something to hold you accountable can make all the difference. That’s why I create clear checkpoints with my clients, whether in person or through 1-2-1 programs. Accountability keeps you aligned with your goals, even when motivation wanes.

3. Education:
   There’s always more to learn. The more you understand about your nutrition, fitness, and golf technique, the more motivated you’ll feel to apply that knowledge leading to better habits. That’s why I’m always available to answer questions and provide support to my clients, helping them build better habits for the long term.

As part of my bespoke 1-2-1 programs, you’ll receive personalised motivation strategies, in-app tracking tools, and access to nutrition and training support from me, Dr. Zach Gould. Together, we’ll fuel your drive and help you create lifelong habits that lead to success both on and off the golf course.

If you’re ready to take control of your golf journey and build long-term success, visit www.zachgouldgolf.com/train to learn more about my programs and how I can help you stay motivated. Let’s tee up a plan that works for you.

With the right balance of autonomy, competence, and community, you can keep your motivation strong and your golf game improving week after week.

Let’s stay motivated together and create lifelong habits!