The end of the year can be a difficult time for football players as motivation can hit an all-time low. The end of the year is a time when the holidays hit, weather for many players gets cold and wet, and matches can get more stressful.

With that in mind, we look at 5 ways professional football players motivate themselves to keep going during this difficult time of the season.

1. Keep your goals in mind

When your motivation hits empty, remembering your end goals are the best way to get back on track. Training and playing are not the difficult parts, it is getting yourself out the door and onto the training pitch. Remind yourself of the end goal when you are preparing to train for matches.

2. Keep a training log

Training can get old during the winter months. The cold weather, rain, and snow can be depressing and keep you inside. If you seek to improve your skills and fitness during the winter months, keeping a log of your individuals and team training can keep you focused.

3. Train with your friends

If you are training in the gym or just heading out to the pitch for some extra training to keep your fitness this time of the year, then doing it with friends can be very beneficial. There is plenty of motivation in having your friends train right beside you.

4. Compromise

If you are planning a training session in the gym or a run, you may find the length of your workout to be too daunting. The length can be so daunting that you do not want to do the workout at all. Rather than just skipping the session altogether, why not compromise with a shorter session that still gets you to complete a workout? You shouldn’t compromise all of your workouts, but once in a while, it is okay.

5. Focus on the endpoint

Rather than focusing on the start of the workout and not wanting to do it, focus on how great you feel once it is over. Once a session is finished, it always feels great to have accomplished it. Don’t forget how good it feels to finish.