It sounds like part of it was also hiring a trainer. Many people seem to experience something like that: without a social component, like someone to encourage

It sounds like part of it was also hiring a trainer. Many people seem to experience something like that: without a social component, like someone to encourage you, you don't bother. But a trainer, or a partner, or an opponent can easily keep you on track--even if they don't really "do" anything other than make you show up.