Episode 32: You Don’t Need Motivation — You Need This Mind Shift

💫Episode 32: You Don’t Need Motivation — You Need This Mind Shift

So many people believe they struggle with fitness because they “lack motivation.”
But what if motivation isn’t the problem at all?

In this episode of Collective Guidance, Charla shares a powerful truth learned through 30 years as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor: your mindset—not your willpower—is what determines whether you show up for movement consistently.

Mental Fitness Is the Missing Piece

We often think of fitness as something physical, but the real work begins in the mind. The way you speak to yourself about movement directly shapes how your body responds.

When you tell yourself “I hate working out” or “fitness is a chore,” your body believes you. Those words live in your nervous system, creating resistance before you ever step foot into the gym.

But when you shift the inner dialogue to “movement is fun” or “my body loves to move,” something changes. Your body responds with more ease, energy, and willingness.

Movement Is Your Natural State

Fitness isn’t punishment.
Movement isn’t something you have to force.

Your body is designed to move, release energy, and produce feel-good chemicals that support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. When resistance shows up, it’s often the ego talking—not the body.

Charla shares a relatable moment many of us know well: sitting in the car outside the gym, exhausted, negotiating whether to go inside. The breakthrough didn’t come from motivation—it came from kind, practical self-talk:

• “It’s only 30 minutes.”

• “Even walking counts.”

• “Something is better than nothing.”

And that gentle inner encouragement made all the difference.

Strength Builds More Than Muscles

Lifting weights doesn’t just make you physically stronger—it builds emotional and mental resilience. Every time you move through discomfort and follow through on a commitment to yourself, your confidence grows.

That’s why strength training is such a powerful tool for longevity:

• It strengthens the body

• It stabilizes the nervous system

• It reinforces self-trust

Charla recommends starting with strength training three days a week, using weights that challenge you:

• 3 sets

• 6–12 reps

• Full-body or upper/lower splits

Consistency matters more than perfection.

Make Fitness Fun Again

One of Charla’s greatest inspirations has always been Richard Simmons—because he understood something deeply important: fitness works best when it’s joyful.

When movement feels fun, you’re far more likely to return to it. And when your thoughts support you instead of criticize you, your energy naturally rises.

Ask yourself:

• How often do I tell myself I’m proud?

• How often do I acknowledge my effort?

• How often do I celebrate my strength—inside and out?

You Don’t Need More Motivation

You don’t need to wait until you feel motivated.
You don’t need a perfect routine or a gym membership.

You need a mind shift.

Even squats at home, pushups, or lifting a gallon of water count. What matters is showing up with compassion and choosing thoughts that support your body instead of fighting it.

2026 can be your year—not because you force it, but because you believe in yourself differently.

And Charla believes in you too.

✨ If this message resonates with you, please share this post with a friend, subscribe to the Collective Guidance podcast, and join me on Instagram @charligirl7 or @collectiveguidancepodcast . Let’s create a world where sensitivity is celebrated.

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Sending love, remembrance, faith, and creativity,

Charla ❤️