In this episode, Sharon Curtain, dietitian, health coach, Director of Accredited Health Coaching Australia and HCANZA Board Member, is joined by Dr Gordon Spence, coaching psychologist, exercise scientist, researcher, educator and fellow HCANZA Board Member, to explore the psychology of motivation and why creating sustainable physical activity habits involves much more than simply knowing exercise is good for us. Drawing on his personal experience of reconnecting with running in midlife, alongside his academic research at the University of Sydney's Coaching Psychology Unit, Gordon shares how our personal stories, sense of identity and social connections influence our relationship with movement and our ability to sustain behaviour change. We explore the paradox of exercise, why so many people struggle to remain physically active despite understanding the health benefits. Gordon identifies four common barriers: resistance to being told what to do, negative perceptions of exercise, our evolutionary tendency to conserve energy, and self-directed ageism. Gordon introduces his four-stage model for reconnecting with physical activity: Reflect, Project, Inspect and Connect. This approach encourages people to explore positive movement experiences from their past, envision a healthy future, assess their current capabilities and motivations, and build supportive social connections that help sustain their efforts. The conversation also examines Gordon's emerging research into identity-based behaviour change and guided autobiography. By helping people revisit and reframe their personal experiences of movement, this approach aims to strengthen their identity as physically active individuals, creating a foundation for more autonomous and lasting motivation. Finally, we discuss the powerful role of social connection and group coaching in sustaining physical activity. From walking groups to community swimming clubs, Gordon explains how shared experiences, belonging and mutual support can help people maintain healthy behaviours over time. For health coaches and other health professionals supporting lifestyle behaviour change, this episode offers valuable insights into moving beyond exercise prescriptions and goal setting to help clients rediscover enjoyment in movement, strengthen their sense of identity and build sustainable physical activity habits. About Gordon Spence Dr Gordon Spence is a coaching psychologist, exercise scientist, educator, & researcher. He has recently returned to the Coaching Psychology Unit, University of Sydney, after 10 years at Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong, where held positions as Academic Program Director and Head of Students. Gordon holds a PhD in coaching psychology and vast experience teaching the psychology of peak performance, employee engagement, workplace wellbeing and healthy ageing. He also writes exclusively on these topics, was co-editor of the Sage Handbook of Coaching (2017) and past joint editor-in-chief of Philosophy of Coaching: An International Journal. In addition, Gordon has written two books on healthy ageing and is currently working on behaviour change innovations designed to help midlife adults close the intention-behaviour gap and support sustained active living. How to contact Gordon, buy his books etc. : Visit: https://www.mindtrek.com.au LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-gordon-spence-40927114 Research: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gordon-Spence How to connect with HCANZA Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess Facebook HCANZA Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCANZA/ Linkedin HCANZA PAge: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcanza Youtube HCANZA Page: https://www.youtube.com/@HCANZA Instagram HCANZA: https://www.instagram.com/hcanza.healthcoaches/
