When you first start working out, you’re full of energy and extremely motivated to keep on going. However, as time goes by, you may become less determined and more prone to make excuses for yourself. What happens when you hit the rough patch determines your chances of success.

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar

As enthusiastic as you may be in the beginning, this enthusiasm rarely lasts. I know because I’ve been fallen in and out of love with physical exercise a few times in my lifetime. That’s why I know how important it is to let go of those thoughts that push you towards giving up and throwing away all your hard work.

Staying motivated is probably the most difficult part of working out. That’s because it takes inner strength to keep going and embrace the uncomfortable. And every morning or evening when you make the decision to hit the gym instead of sleeping comfortably in your bed for an extra hour or instead of relaxing on the sofa for the remaining of the evening, you are gaining inner strength and building self-discipline.

How do you keep going when the going gets tough and you really feel like giving up?

Anyone can get started, but most people give up after a while. What differentiates a winner from a loser is the decision to continue when the going gets tough. And you don’t gain this inner strength by doing things that are comfortable and choosing the easy way out. You gain strength and you build self-discipline by embracing the uncomfortable and continuing something when everyone around you is giving up.

If you want to be the winner, the one who never gives up, even when the going gets tough, here are a few things to keep you motivated:

1. Remember what motivated you to get started.

You started working out for a good reason. Maybe you wanted to lose weight, maybe you felt out of shape and wanted to build more muscle, or maybe you wanted to feel better about yourself. Whatever it was that motivated you to start, that’s still a valid reason to motivate you further. Don’t lose sight of the final outcome you had envisioned for yourself.

2. Remember that nothing worthwhile comes for free

“Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” – Theodore Roosevelt.

If it’s worth having, it’s worth the effort and the pain. Plain and simple. If you’re not willing to put in the effort, leave your comfort zone, and embrace the pain, you will never get the desired results. You will be left with your comfort, but will have become a loser. Don’t like the sound of that? Then you know what I’m talking about. Every winner in this world had to work hard in order to become victorious.

Remember: No pain, no gain.

3. Remember how good it feels after you work out

If you ever feel like giving up, simply think about the wonderful feeling that comes over you when you finish a workout. It’s probably one of the best feelings in the world, isn’t it? Endorphins are released when you work out, which means that you feel happier, less stressed out, and simply “euphoric”.

Endorphins also act as pain killers. It has been proven that regular physical exercise significantly reduces stress levels, improves sleep, increases self-esteem, and treats anxiety and depression. Hang on to that feeling of euphoria and remember it whenever you feel like skipping a workout session or giving up altogether.

4. Remember that regular exercise boosts self-confidence and improves all areas of your life

Beyond the immediate results, such as losing weight or fitting better in your clothes, regular exercise brings with it incredible benefits for your self-esteem. When you work out regularly, you are more confident, more content with your life, less stressed out, less prone to become depressed or anxious, and simply feel great with yourself.

People go looking for ways to improve their self-esteem and feel better about themselves, when they have everything they need at their fingertips: physical exercise. Anyone can work out regularly, and thus become more disciplined, more confident, more independent, stronger, and much healthier.

Remember that it’s always up to you to make the decision to work out and stick to it. Don’t rely on others for words of encouragement and don’t expect others to lift you up and drive you to the gym when you don’t feel like it. Take charge of your life and make sure you don’t regret not taking all steps to improve your well-being and mental health.

Don’t become the loser who gives up when the going gets tough. Prove to yourself that you have it in you and that you are a winner!

Adelina Moisan is a self-improvement, personal growth and fitness enthusiast who shares her knowledge and experience with readers on www.classyandfit.com, a site where she aims to teach people how to take better care of their bodies and minds.